the true original redux, as in faithful copy of the original mini concept, are probably those japanese supercompacts that run on sub-1-liter engines. they're pretty well packaged and real small and efficient, but somehow most manage to have 4 doors and 4 seats. remember the original mini was meant to be an economic compact car. one of the best copies (besides the fiat 500, etc.) is probably the original honda civic. the honda fit, however, is a pretty good spiritual successor to the concept. it has small wheels pushed to the corners, is pretty stubby, and the packaging is best by few others. the smartcar is pretty dumb in comparison. for the same price you can get a yaris or fit, both are more useable and practical and will never break down

 

awww...that's not nice

 

I was curious so I checked out Toyota and Honda and found this not to be true - you simply could not even opt for all the same things you can get on the Smart (like heated seats, or even more importantly, side airbags on the Yaris), but when you did add the stuff it was not the same price. And of course the plastic non-dingable panels and tiny parking spaces the Smart allows for are priceless (Not having front wheel drive ain't a bad thing either, to me at least.)

As for the Yaris and Fit never breaking down, welp a quick check just showed me that there have been plenty of recalls and issues with products from both companies - no cars are immune - so I wouldn't depend on that.

Gotta just get what you like and hope you luck out when you buy a car.

Hope we continue to get more interesting hatchbacks coming our way; bring on the Fiat 500s