Official MINI USA Press Release: Topping off its successful US market launch last month, the all-new MINI Cooper has been named by the Editors of Edmunds.com as “Most Wanted Coupe Under $30,000”.

According to the Editors, the MINI Cooper’s redesign helped it win, beating out others in its class: “Retaining the Cooper’s beloved looks, baby has actually gotten better, as its classic styling and handling have been painstakingly preserved with welcome improvements appearing inside and underhood.”

In announcing the 9th annual “Editors’ Most Wanted” awards, the Edmunds Editors, said, “We eat, breathe and dream automobiles, and in many instances, this love for the car overruled common sense during our selection process. But that’s the great thing about the Edmunds.com Editors’ Most Wanted list: it’s guided by passion, not science (much like the majority of car purchases). The result of our voting is a list of cars and trucks we’d want in our own garages”.

“We are truly excited to receive this award from Edmunds.com for the all-new MINI Cooper” said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. “The Editors of Edmunds.com are passionate and knowledgeable about cars and we are happy that they recognize all of the goodness that we have engineered into the new car while retaining its iconic characteristics.

The all-new MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops are built upon the design success of the first generation MINI models, offering go-kart like reflexes and the ability for customers to individualize their car. The most successful premium small car in the world has been completely redesigned – with new engines, interior and technology – in a way that is evolutionary in its design, yet revolutionary in its substance. With a base MSRP of $18,700 and 40 MPG EPA highway mileage, the new MINI Cooper offers improved value and efficiency as well.