More thoughts

"carcrasher88" (carcrasher88) 09/09/2014 at 13:21 • Filed to: Thoughts

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So, after my thoughts from yesterday, I began thinking of what some brands that are sold in the US could use to strengthen themselves.

Three brands come to mind: Scion, Mitsubishi, and Fiat.

First, the Scion brand. They've been struggling lately.

The iQ flopped, the xB and xD need replacement/redesign, and the tC and FR-S aren't cutting it.

There's been talk about what will come in the near future, including a new model that's based on the Toyota Auris, and a second generation FR-S.

Here's the way I see it:

- Auris based model, maybe bringing the xA name back. (my estimated chances of happening: 85%)

- Second gen FR-S (my estimated chances of happening: 90%)

- Third gen xB that returns to being a rebadged Toyota bB instead of Corolla Rumion. (my estimated chances of happening: 65%)

- New smaller model based on the Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo to replace the iQ and better compete against the other city cars in the US market (Spark, Mirage, 500, etc.), maybe call it xP, as a nod to the JDM Passo name. (my estimated chances of happening: 30%)

- Third generation tC somewhere between 2015 and 2017, based on the Auris-based model, maybe offering a Lexus CT-like hybrid model. (my estimated chances of happening: 65-70%)

- Finally, a funky looking mini MPV based on the Porte/Spade, including it's unique single sliding door on the driver's side. It would have to be engineered for LHD markets, so it would likely have to wait until the third gen Porte, sometime around 2017-18. (my estimated chances of happening: 25%)

Next, Mitsubishi. They've struggled in recent years, but their sales have been starting to climb within the last year, so it's a great opportunity for new product.

- First, the sort of product that we've been wanting to return, the Montero. There's been talks of bringing the next gen model to the US, possibly with a hybrid powertrain.

If it retains it's famous off-road capability, the hybrid powertrain could be acceptable. (my estimated chances of happening: 65%)

- Update the i-MIEV, inside and out. Upgraded powertrain, better fit and finish interior. Something to hold off until a possible redesign. (my estimated chances of happening: 80%)

- Drop the Mirage from the US market, and replace it with a new subcompact lineup utilizing the Mirage and Delica names: Mirage sedan, Delica 3 and 5 door hatchbacks. (my estimated chances of happening: 50%)

- Completely redesigned Lancer, possibly using a PSA Peugeot Citroen chassis and powertrain, likely sharing with a next-gen C4. (my estimated chances of happening: 50%)

- Lastly, a new small van, could also be developed with PSA, maybe based on a next-gen C3 Picasso or 5008. (my estimated chances of happening: 30%)

Finally, Fiat could use some more models, and with only two on the horizon (a 'specialty' model (likely a small sports car) and the 500X), the possibilities are almost endless.

- Panda. Bring it here, make it AWD only (ala Subaru), and sell it for a couple thousand less than the 500X. Would probably sell well in the Northeastern US. (my estimated chances of happening: 35% for imported, 45% for NA production)

- Strada. There's likely gonna be a completely new Strada in the next couple years. Mexican production would allow them to avoid the 'Chicken Tax', courtesy of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). (my estimated chances of happening: 15% imported, 25% NAFTA production)

- New compact model. The current Punto is relatively outdated for the US market. Maybe a new sedan and hatchback based on the next Dart could be plausible, using the English translation of the Chinese market Fiat version of the Dart's name.

Call it the Fiat Voyage. (my estimated chances of happening: 55%)

dogisbadob > carcrasher88 09/09/2014 at 13:33

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The TC and FRS need a rear wiper. The FRS needs to be available with a sunroof.

Aren't there already plans to being over the Auris? I'd love a small Toyota wagon, especially if you can get a sunroof!

The problem with the iQ is no manual transmission and no sunroof!

I like your other suggestions.

Mitsubishi needs to sell the non-electric i over here. The Montero needs to be sold here with a diesel engine, manual transmission, and can they please give us teh SWB convertible? I'm actually surprised they dropped the Montero because big SUV's still do well in the US despite the depression and fuel economy CAFE concerns.

The Mirage is cool but it's overpriced in the US. Shit even in Europe it has a four digit starting price! If the base US MSRP was under $9000, and it was available with a sunroof, then they'd have a winner. A VR-4 version with like 150 hp would be awesome as fuck. Also, I like the Mirage's color selection, but it could still be expanded a bit.

Also, Mitsu should sell their pickup over here.

Yup, Fiat desperately needs models that don't have 500 in their names.

I disagree on AWD-only for the Panda. It could benefit from the lower starting price and better gas mileage of FWD to compete with Scion.

Too bad we don't get the Multipla. But honestly, I still think Fiat should've just captive imported them under the Dodge/Chrysler names over here, if they can't or won't give a reasonably complete US Fiat lineup. Dodge Panda. Dodge Mito. Dodge Punto. Chrysler 500. Chrysler Multipla. Dodge 4C SRT4. Chrysler 8C SRT8. Dodge Doblo. Dodge Ducato.