Last October 27, 2006 at the Arena Civica in Milan, Italy, the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Eos and a host of other stunning automobiles emerged victorious at the XIV L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo or The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile” competition for 2006. The international jury led by Bruno Alfieri, the Italian journalist and editor who created the awards back in 1993, chose the best looking cars in various categories such as city cars and compact cars, mid-size hatchback, limousine, coupe, spider, station wagon, concept cars and many more.

After examination of the various new models introduced in 2006, the jury proclaimed the winners in their respective categories. However, upon a closer look on the list of winners, one can see that Japanese and American cars are conspicuously absent from the list. Europe does offer some of the most stunning of automobiles, but do they have the monopoly when it comes to aesthetics? We don’t think so. Still, the list offers a veritable showdown of some of the most beautiful cars ever to grace the road.

City cars and compact cars: Mini Cooper

Mid-size hatchback cars: Volvo C30

Mid-size sedans: Volvo S80

Limousine: Bentley Continental GTC

Coupé: Mercedes CL

Coupé-cabriolet: Volkswagen Eos

Spider: Alfa Romeo Spider

Sportscars: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Station wagon: Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

MPV: Citroën C4 Picasso

Crossover: Audi Q7

Specials: Studiotorino RK Coupé

Concept Cars: Renault Twingo Concept

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All roads lead to Paris from Sept. 30 to Oct. 15 as the 2006 Mondial de l’Automobile opens at the Paris Expo, Porte De Versailles. Just like in previous Paris Motor Shows, automakers from all over the globe will turn out in full force to reveal their latest brand new models and concept car designs. This year, the spotlights will be on the latest hybrid and alternative fuel cars competing with high-end luxury cars and exotics for the public’s attention. Companies from Audi to Toyota will unveil their hottest new models and show a glimpse of their future design directions.

European automakers will take the covers off their top new models. The French have a number of major launches up their sleeves including Citroen’s midsize C4 Picasso and futuristic C-Métisse concept car. Meanwhile, Citroen’s mother company Peugeot is hoping that its Epure and 908 RC concept cars will both be a success. Another French automaker, Renault, will show off its new Nepta, a cabriolet concept with motor driven gull wings, 3.5-liter V6 engine, and 420-hp direct-injection gasoline engine.

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The MINI is undoubtedly one of the most successful cars in recent history. When the new MINI was introduced into the market a few years back, enthusiasts quickly snapped up thousands of MINI Coopers and MINI Cooper S. Sales reached up to 800,000 units sold. Now, the second model generation of the modern MINI is about to make its debut. The new MINI offers a thoroughly enhanced design and a host of essentially new features. Among the new features are an upgraded interior and an evolutionary body design.

The new MINI will provide an enhanced “Go-Kart” feeling, with its new dimensions. The improved chassis and suspension promises a higher standard of agility. The new MINI will also offer an innovative drive technology for enhanced driving pleasure. BMW has developed the new MINI’s power units, transmission, suspension and steering, brakes, and safety systems from the ground up. All MINI models now offer 6-speed with options for manual and automatic transmission. The new MINI also offers standard safety equipment such as six airbags.

With these innovations, the new MINI is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated models in dealers today. Whether you love or hate the MINI, there’s no denying the iconic status that this miniscule vehicle has achieved over the years. The new MINI will be available in two models: MINI Cooper (88 kW/120 hp) and MINI Cooper S (128 kW/175 hp).

Luxury automaker Lexus took home AutoPacific’s 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Rating for Top Brand on account of the solid performance of its LS 430 premium luxury car and excellent ratings of other models in its lineup. Meanwhile, Lincoln Navigator Luxury SUV owners were the most satisfied with their vehicle, while the Hyundai Azera was the highest rated car. The auto consulting firm’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards aims to objectively gauge owner satisfaction with their new car or light truck. Six automakers were honored in eighteen Vehicle Satisfaction categories. The results were calculated according to owner satisfaction in different areas including vehicle operation, comfort, and safety. This year’s top performers are the following:

Top Brand: Lexus

Top Passenger Cars:

Premium Luxury Ca: Lexus LS
Entry Luxury Car: Cadillac CTS
Luxury/Large Car: Hyundai Azera
Premium Mid-Size Car: Volkswagen Passat
Mid-Size Car: Mercury Milan
Image Compact Car: MINI Cooper
Compact Car: Honda Civic
Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
Sporty Car: Acura RSX

Top Light Trucks:

Large Light-Duty Pickup: Nissan Titan
Large Heavy-Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD
Sport Utility Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Compact Pickup: Mitsubishi Raider
Luxury Sport Utility: Lincoln Navigator
Large Sport Utility: Nissan Armada
Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility: Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mid-Size Sport Utility: Hyundai Santa Fe
Compact Sport Utility: Suzuki Grand Vitara
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

The MINI Cooper is perhaps one of the most beloved car models, and its modern-day version continues the MINI legacy of sprightly, fun-to-drive, space-efficient small cars. It is no wonder that this ‘cute’ little car, which has sold over 5 million units in is 4 decades in the industry, is still one of the most sought-after vehicles. In fact, in the recent Annual Vehicle Experience survey by Strategic Vision, the 2006 MINI Cooper garnered three of the top honors. The Cooper won the Total Quality Award and the Total Value Award and was honored as the Most Delightful Vehicle in the Convertible under $30,000 category.

This is the fourth year in a row that the MINI Cooper took the top spot in these categories of the Strategic Vision Surveys. The car has topped the Total Quality Index which measures quality from a range of perspectives including product experience, vehicle reliability, dealership experience, and emotional response to the vehicle. It also led in the Total Value Index which gauges the economic consequences and expectations. Meanwhile, the Customer Delight Index evaluates the customer’s responses to specific aspects of their vehicle’s and measures the strength of the emotional response to what the vehicle offers.

Strategic Vision CEO, Creative Director and Founder, Dr. Darrel Edwards says that the vehicle’s ability to take the top spot in Total Quality, Total Value and Customer Delight means that it delivers a completely positive emotional experience that is worth the price. These vehicles can be expected to be strong for years. “These vehicles are exemplary of what the industry should deliver”, he adds.

Meanwhile, MINI USA vice president, Jim McDowell is “extremely pleased” with these new accolades that the MINI Cooper won. “It is clear that “MINI instills a strong sense of passion and delight in our customers and the results of these surveys underscore the quality and value our owners experience throughout the complete ownership experience”, explained McDowell. The 2006 MINI Cooper is currently priced between $16, 950 for the base model to $24,900 for the Convertible S.