I agree with posts. a poor"
I agree with posts. a poor" man's roadster." keep it affordable. retain simplistic design, isn't that what appealed to people? Minis are expensive for what you get. you want to WIN in market. PRICE, PRICE, You can win with design, or practicality, style , or price. (quality always a must) but not all 4. (rare)
Mazda hit a big win. don't go copy someones else's design!!!! like Ford GM did with Chryslar (van, truck, PT) Chryslar led (past tense) in design, but not in quality! I owned all but ford, I like my 05 miata in design. (mix of XKE, viper, corvette) Last point.: original idea was triump, MG, spitfire philosophy,stay with it. (would love to see a retro- roadster by someone.)
signed, former auto engineer.