The Mini triumphs in Detroit

The Mini has won the award for the best new car in North America.

As the world's most prestigious motor show opened in Detroit, the reborn British symbol was judged car of the year.

The old Mini was an icon of the 1960s.

The new one is fast becoming an icon of the 21st century in North America, where it is fashionable from Beverly Hills to Manhattan, trading on its Britishness.

Rolls-Royce

Ironically, the German car maker BMW is behind the new Mini.

It bought the brand, restyled the car and manufactured it at the BMW factory near Oxford.

The company has sold 24,000 of its British-made Minis in North America since the model was launched a year ago.

Now the American motoring press has given it the ultimate accolade - 2003 Car of the Year at the Detroit Motor Show.

One of the judges called it stylish, huggable and affordable at $20,000 (£12,000).

Sales of the new car are likely to far outstrip sales of the old all-British vehicle in the United States.

BMW is also behind the revamped Rolls-Royce which was launched at the beginning of January.