Back in August, Hyundai and Amazon ran a pilot program called “Prime Now, Drive Now” that allowed users in certain markets to order up a Hyundai Elantra for a test drive and ultimately back to the dealer if said user decided they wanted to purchase one for themselves. That pilot program came just a week before Amazon announced its new vehicle portal. But, it wasn’t the last of programs like this as Amazon’s France website has now partnered up with Seat, to sell its Mii city car online through Amazon.
It’s not all bread and butter, however, as there are some limitations. First off, this is more of a novelty program- at least for now, anyway. The program is only available in France, and there are only 15 limited-edition examples of the Mii up for the taking. If you’re one of the lucky few who manage to get there first, a €500 deposit is made online at the time of reservation. Afterward, a Seat advisor will contact you to validate your driver’s license, collect payment information, and finalize the deal. Once the deal is complete, your new Mii limited-edition will show up in your driveway within 72 hours.
As far as this limited-edition Mii goes, it was developed through a collaboration between Seat and Mango. It can be had in Glam Beige, Intense Black, or Atom Glossy on the outside and rolls on 15-inch, dark gray wheels. The exterior mirrors are finished in Velvet while the inside gets healthy doses of Alcantara with beige highlights. The steering wheel and gear knob are wrapped in leather, and there is a handbag hook on the glove compartment. With the initial €500 deposit, the total cost of the Mii limited edition will set you back €10,990 or about $12,095 at current exchange rates.
Keep reading for the rest of the story.
Why it Matters
When Hyundai and Amazon first launched that pilot program with the Hyundai Elantra, there was a lot of speculation that it wouldn’t be long and we would be able to purchase brand new vehicles without ever setting foot into a dealership. While we’ve still got some time before this becomes wide-scale reality, Amazon’s new vehicle portal and this new pilot from Amazon.fr and Seat proves that it is possible. This partnership marks the first time a vehicle will actually be sold and a deposit taken through Amazon. Is this a sign of things to come in the future? In 10 years will the dealership model as we know be non-existent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read our full review on the 2016 Seat Ateca X-Perience here.