From MINI Press:

MINI enters 2004 with a bevy of awards from Automobile Magazine, Consumer Digest, Autobytel, Inc. Strategic Vision, The Car Book, Automotive.Com and Edmunds.Com. These accolades add to an impressive list of over 40 awards, continuing a winning streak for MINI since prior to the car's launch in March 2002.

“We are thrilled that MINI is a winner in the eyes of the press and public. We have built a lot of fun, safety and substance into every MINI and these seven awards are a testament to what we offer our customers”, commented Jack Pitney, Vice President, MINI USA.

Automobile All-Star Awards Following last year's Reader's Choice All-Star Award for Best Small Car, the editors of Automobile Magazine have chosen the MINI Cooper as this year's All-Star for Best Small Car. Fun, style and substance were at the heart of their decision – all at an affordable price. As the editors stated, “Spend a little, get a lot, drive small, smile big.”

Consumer Digest “Best Buy” For the second year in a row, Consumer Digest named MINI a “Best Buy” reinforcing the tremendous amount of fun, safety and value the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S offer. Consumers Digest typically scores vehicles on a number of criteria including safety, reliability, performance and resale value.

Autobytel, Inc.'s 2004 Consumer Choice Award
MINI has received notable recognition from Autobytel, Inc., winning a Consumer Choice Award for the highest percentage of increase for any car requested through their service. Buyers' requests for MINI increased almost 250% over the last year, showing that interest for MINI remains vibrant.

“Most Delightful Vehicle” Strategic Vision's Total Delight Index For the second year in a row, the MINI Cooper won the Strategic Vision Total Delight Index's “Most Delightful Vehicle” in the “Small Specialty Coupe” category. The index measures the overall delight owners have for their vehicles, an indicator of how strong the customers' bond and emotional commitments are to the product, brand and manufacturer. MINI owners are truly passionate about their cars and their ownership experience, as shown by the high ranking in the index.

The Car Book 2004 Best Bet The Car Book has awarded the MINI Cooper a “Best Bet” for 2004. In cooperation with The Center for Auto Safety, The Car Book looks at objective sources and establishes criteria based on the safety and performance needs of today's consumers. Reinforcing MINI's safety and substance, the MINI Cooper scored well in key categories to earn the notable recognition.

Automotive.com, Best Compact Car The MINI Cooper was voted Best Compact Car in Automotive.com's 2004 New Car Awards. Consumers visiting the automotive research and car-buying site ranked cars that they felt represented exceptional value, superiority in class and overall customer satisfaction. Yet again, another accolade that underscores MINI's appeal in the market place.

Edmunds.com Top 10 List – “Top 10 Sound Systems in Car Under $30,000” Edmunds.com awarded MINI a spot on the list of “Top 10 Sound Systems in Cars Under $30,000”. Praised were the sound quality and features of the MINI Audio system, specifically, MINI's optional Harman Kardon (HK) sound system. The system earned kudos for unique one-touch audio adjustments to fit individual music styles and passenger locations – another way MINI owners can customize their MINI motoring experience.

While most of these awards have already been posted on Bridger.us/MINI it's nice to see a listing of all of them to get an idea of just how smitten the automotive press still is with this car.