MINI, the shortest car on American roads, has collected an impressively long list of awards in the first weeks of 2003. During the kick-off week of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI., MINI won no less than 5 significant awards.

'2003 North American Car of the Year'

MINI received this prestigious award from a group of 50 full-time automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. This independent award recognizes the most outstanding vehicle of the year based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

'Women in Automotive Journalism - Top New Vehicle for 2003'

A panel of the top 50 professional women automotive journalists selected MINI as "Top New Vehicle for 2003" based on their evaluation of all the latest vehicles launched. MINI's handling, performance and style helped capture the award.

'Ward's 10 Best Engine'

For 2003, Ward's Auto World Magazine awarded the supercharged 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper S a top spot among the 10 best engines. The editors from Ward's Communications evaluated a multitude of car and truck engines and scored crucial engine characteristics of power, torque, noise, vibration & harshness (NVH), technical relevance and basic comparative numbers. The MINI Cooper S engine came out a winner due to its blend of performance power and efficiency.

'AWRT Class of 2003, Most Likely to Succeed - Car of the Year award'

MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S took home top honors as AWRT's Car of the Year and also 'Classic - most likely to be remembered' and 'Personality of the year'. American Woman Road and Travel assembled a panel of 12 men and women automotive journalists. The jurors selected MINI as tops from 12 criteria, including its appeal to men and women, style, performance, and fun factor, to name a few.

Automotive News - Marketer of the Year'

In a competitive market dominated by SUVs, the editors of Automotive News recognized MINI, under the leadership of general manager, Jack Pitney, for its outstanding job in launching the car and the brand in the U.S. market. Automotive News points out that an innovative campaign and stronger than expected sales are a testament to a job well done.

In the past months MINI has been decorated with other significant accolades including:

'Strategic Vision - Highest overall Score in Total Value Index, 2002'

'J.D. Power - APEAL Study - Most Appealing Compact Car'

'Edmunds.Com - Editor's Most Wanted Coupe Under 25K'

'Strategic Vision Total Delight Index - Small, Specialty Car under $25K'

'Consumers Digest - Best Buy'

'Grass Roots Motorsports - Editor's Choice Award'

'European Car - Grand Prix Award'

'NHTSA - 4-star Crash Rating in Class'

'IIHS - Best Pick, 40 mph frontal crash'

Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) - Highest Residual Value Award

 

The one I really want to see... "Newest Car Parked In Gerry's Driveway, 2003".

 

those awards should eliminate any buyers remorse, if any. cheers

 

Any people having wishy-washy feelings about the MINI (mostly because of reliability) should take note of vm's post.
What the MINI lacks in build quality it gains back in it's superb performance, styling, fair price, and fun factor.
Here's two more awards for the S:

Cooper S engine named Engine Expo International Engine of the Year for 2003 in the 1.4L to 1.8L category

Cooper S engine listed as one of 2002's 10 Best Engines by Ward's Auto World

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[img]albums/album25/ama.gif[/img]VinceAndJessica.com
Alta pulley, Stebro exhaust, Pipercross intake, Progress rear anti-sway bar.

 

>>Any people having wishy-washy feelings about the MINI (mostly because of reliability) should take note of vm's post.

And if you are lucky and eat all your vegetables your MINI will be reliable like mine is- no trouble in 6000 miles.

>>What the MINI lacks in build quality it gains back in it's superb performance, styling, fair price, and fun factor.

And if you are doubly lucky and play nice on MCO then your MINI's build quality will be nearly perfect like mine is-
knock on wood (with my head).

vm-
All those awards for such a "new" car. I wonder what that means? I guess it isn't plainly obvious by now what has been apparent to us at MCO.

Gerry deserves two MINIs to celebrate 2004!