The Industrial Designers Society of America has bestowed it's top honor for 2003 on the new MINI:

“Born out of a challenge issued in 1956, the Classic Mini was eventually voted one of two top automobiles of the 20th century in 1999. In 2000, the all new Mini premiered and reestablished its unique character. Extended interior per exterior dimensions. Best price per value and performance in this class. Built a brand from an existing product ethos. Has go-cart handling and seats up to four people.

“An exercise in the re-birth of a brand identity at its best. This kind of a redesign is not as simple as merely taking design cues from the past. Investigation reveals a clever use of materials and the latest technologies under a familiar shape. The original Mini's 'all four wheels on a corner' concept has been retained, while meeting current safety requirements. The interior sets a new level of quality and high-style design for its price range. This generation of Minis will attract a much larger market than its predecessor.” -Tom Matano, IDSA, Director, Industrial Design Department, Academy of Art College.”

It's hard to imagine a car having a more successful reintroduction as the MINI has had over the last year. From the overall design of Frank Stephenson to the BMW derived Z-link rear suspension the MINI has garnered one accolade after another leading to sales over 30% higher than initially expected in the United States alone.