I don't think the poor old Imp can be dismissed as lightly as that. Even the mighty Honda forgot all it knew about cam hardening techniques for the VF series, then there was the self-igniting Vauxhall people carriers, the Lancia Betas where the engine dropped out through rust in 10000 miles and Hinckley Triumphs breaking spokes by the end of the road away from the dealers.
The designers and accountants don't always get it right first go.