Car manufacturer SEAT and Cosmopolitan magazine are facing backlash over a prototype for a new car designed exclusively for women that was jointly unveiled at Cosmopolitan's FashFest event in London last week.
My parents inadvertently started receiving Cosmopolitan magazine after ordering something online, so I’ve seen some recent copies of this rag. If you can’t decide which eyebrow shape best fits your personality, then Cosmopolitan magazine is for you. Which is why this new “car for women” – called the SEAT Mii – is provoking the ire of many of the rest of us who want their cars to not actually suck.
In an effort the Guardian is calling “patronizing,” The SEAT Mii comes with jewel-effect rims, a handbag hook, and "eyeliner headlights" that are "emphasized in the same way as make-up emphasizes the eye," according to the manufacturer. The car is also said to be perfect for "impromptu karaoke performances, last-minute wardrobe changes, and dramatic gossip sessions.”
But here’s the thing that really strikes me as odd: In a car that’s designed specifically around gender stereotypes, the SEAT Mii comes in three options for get-up-and-go: 65, 68 or 75 horsepower. That’s right ladies, get ready to be out-revved by a Smart Car because that’s what women want.
So the next time you get into your vehicle and bemoan the fact that the GPS of your very boring-hued sedan or SUV isn’t pre-programmed to take you directly to the mall, know that SEAT and Cosmo have your back, if only in development, as the likelihood of this embarrassing failure ever being manufactured seems to be as slim as your thighs in those totally fierce skinny jeans.
