Small Talk with Frank Stephenson

Few people on this planet have Frank Stephenson's insight into small-car appeal.

The erudite Stephenson is design director of U.K.-based Mclaren Automotive, seen above left with his latest creation, the MP4-12C, and McLaren Managing Director Antony Sherrif. But his resume includes stints at BMW AG and Fiat Automobiles SpA, where he left his fingerprints on the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500, respectively.

Unquestionably, they are among the most iconic small cars ever produced. Anywhere.

Whimsical, yet sporty, each has driven its way into the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.

But with the 500 set to make its North American debut next week at the L.A. auto show, what are its prospects in the vital U.S. market?

Expect it to generate excitement, but that visceral response won’t be enough to ensure its long-term competitiveness.

"You’re going to start wanting the car to do a lot more than just being fun to drive," he cautions.

“The Mini, for example, when it came to market, was not just a cool, small car to drive. It actually had content."

Bursting with airbags, it could be equipped with run-flat tires.

"And it was built with BMW quality, and all that,” Stephenson says.

Early indications are North America's 500 will feature cruise-control, something not offered in Europe. We might also expect, at least in high-performance variants, a driver-selected EPS system that changes the car's steering feel from sedate to sporty and back again.

Does Stephenson worry that the 500's legacy might somehow be tarnished if it fails to resonate with U.S. buyers?

"No," he says. “It’s already made its mark."