It’s been reported that BMW is considering reviving its fabled Isetta to do battle with the next-generation of small cars — including the Volkswagen Up, Smart ForTwo and Toyota iQ — but a new report finds BMW might even have a smaller microcar in the works.
According to the Press Trust of India, BMW is planning to launch a microcar in India that would rival the Tata Nano in size. However, the BMW microcar would offer far more luxurious appointments than the Nano, and would likely be priced well above the Nano’s bargain-basement $2,500 price tag.
World Car Fans contacted BMW about the possible microcar, but was only told that “BMW is thinking within a special project about several different ways and opportunities for the future mobility, but it’s far too early to comment on any details, neither the size of these different concepts nor engine, price or anything like that.”
While BMW only sold about 1,400 vehicles in India last year, the German automaker plans to ramp up its Indian production by 76 percent this year — totaling 3,000 units.
03/13, 9:52 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
BMW needs to revive the Triumph TR-6 instead of wasting time on junk for poor people.
03/13, 10:51 AM
posted by:
RicardoHead
I’ll take a $5,000 Isetta! ANY DAY!!!!
03/13, 11:52 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Bring it on! It’d be nice if when I call Dell customer service, the guy on the other end of the phone is driving a BMW.
03/13, 12:32 PM
posted by:
Scarface03
I think BMW should pause and just reflect on the impact that a Nano competitor would have on its brand identity. No matter how much you dress it up, could there ever be such a thing as a premium $5,000 or even $10,000 car?
03/13, 12:33 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Haha it’ll be a “Nano” sized BMW at a “mega” price!
03/13, 12:40 PM
posted by:
bigp
dont do it, it will only bring the company to new unhread of lows
03/13, 1:47 PM
posted by:
A4
im with scarface, i really dont think a premium $5000-10000 car is possible. It would have to have some performance potential and luxury appointments, and when it costs more for a smart car than it does for a VW Rabbit, something isnt right. If BMW wants Tata quality, they could pull it off, but it would never pass in the states.
03/13, 2:55 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
howsmydriving- I know how you feel…
And, could speak english.
A4, Scarface- In that market, there could be. Think about that most people pay around $3500 for their vehicles.
03/13, 5:52 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
Perhaps BMW should just call it Isetta, and not put BMW badging – as Ferrari did with the Dino – I think that a microcar would dilute BMWs image, whether it is premium or not.
03/14, 8:10 AM
posted by:
gilby7
If the heavy, $35,000 1-series is any indication of a “starter” model, India buyers better get ready for sticker shock.