Premium Small Premium Cars
The premium small car segment shrank by 9% in 2017, to just over 320,000 sales or 2.1% of the overall European car market, down from 2.3% in 2016. Segment leader Mini (3- and 5-door and convertible), is the only nameplate to grow, although it does so by less than 600 units, which allows it to increase its share of the segment to 42.7%. All four other models lose share as they decline faster than the segment average. After six consecutive years remaining impressively stable at between 90,000 and 100,000 annual sales, the Audi A1 finally shows some weakness, dropping to 84.000 sales, a loss of 13% on the year before. The second generation will hit showrooms this year.
The Lancia Ypsilon was down 20% in the fourth quarter which leads to a 9% decline for the year, as the model is officially only available in its home market now (fewer than 300 units were registered outside of Italy in 2017) and is starting to show its age. The DS3 is the biggest loser of the segment, down 28% although its decline slowed down by the end of the year at -7% in Q4. No replacement for the DS3 is announced yet, perhaps the brand will launch a crossover in its place, but even that would be at least a few years away. Finally, the Alfa Romeo MiTo is reaching its expiry date at -40% to just 2,000 sales in the fourth quarter and -12% for the year.
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