It can be difficult to navigate the huge choice of models available from car manufacturers when it comes to choosing a new car these days. Coupe, convertible, crossover, four door coupe, SUV, MPV – what will it be? We look at the explosion in the number of niche car models and crossovers onto the market in recent years. Last month MINI unveiled the Paceman at the Paris Motor Show. MINI describes this new model as a “sports activity coupe” which is a perfect example of a niche vehicle. Indeed, MINI itself is a good example of a brand who have taken a basic car design and used it to spawn a series of distinctly different incarnations of the same car. The original MINI hatchback, launched by BMW in 2001, has already produced the Clubman, Roadster, Coupe, Convertible and Countryman models. The new Paceman will be the seventh variant of what is essentially the same car underneath. With that sort of line-up there has to be a car to suit all tastes and needs in the MINI range. But MINI aren’t the only ones who have recognized the value of creating several models based on one design. There has been a steady stream of niche and crossover models entering the market from car manufacturers over the last few years. Buying a car has become a bit like a trip to the supermarket; the choice available for even the simplest product, like a tube of toothpaste, can be bewildering! But there must be a reason why car manufacturers are producing so many niche and crossover models. More importantly, such cars would not be produced if there was no market for them so we must be buying these cars too. Niche vehicles provide something a bit different which may appeal to a new class of buyer. The increase in coupe and crossovers is likely to be a response to a younger generation of buyers and their preference for innovative styling. More and more they emerge from the premium brands like BMW and Audi. These vehicles expand their market line up to gain a greater market share over their competitors. Competition is an important factor. If one car manufacturer begins making a car in a niche segment, other car manufacturers will naturally want a slice of that market too and will want to...
It can be difficult to navigate the huge choice of models available from car manufacturers when it comes to choosing a new car these days. Coupe, convertible, crossover, four door coupe, SUV, MPV – what will it be? We look at the explosion in the number of niche car models and crossovers onto the market in recent years. Last month MINI unveiled the Paceman at the Paris Motor Show. MINI describes this new model as a “sports...
