IS the Mini set for a surge in popularity? And is there anything on the motoring horizon to replace it as THE sexy, street style icon?

Yes and yes. The Mini gets a massive boost in September when the re-make of The Italian Job hits British cinemas, a new screen slant on the original 1968 Michael Caine caper.

But first let's move on a little further from that, to spring next year, when the Smart Forfour goes on sale.

The latest in car chic from the DaimlerChrysler stable could topple the Mini from its soaraway sales perch and become the must-have motor in the small car segment.

It's a five-door four-seater, just 3.75 metres long, and buyers will be able to choose from three petrol and two diesel variants.

The new Smart has an eye-catching, highly individual profile, offering driving pleasure with a sporty touch.

Smart say it's a new interpretation of the standards set by their city-coupi, cabrio, crossblade, roadster, and roadster-coupi.

And despite being compact, it is packed with the usual Smart safety features. While prices are still a long way from being announced, they should prove as attractive as the Forfour itself.

Meanwhile, the Mini is bound to benefit when it bursts onto the big screen this autumn, starring in the new version of The Italian Job.

The new movie draws its inspiration from its legendary namesake, with the Mini likely to steal the show just as it did back in 1968 with a series of action-packed car chase scenes and jaw-dropping stunts.

BMW provided Paramount with no less than 32 Minis for the spectacular scenes, and major Mini roles are taken by a Chili Red Mini Cooper S, a Pepper White Mini Cooper, and an Indi Blue Mini Cooper.

Playing supporting roles to the Mini are actors Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, and Donald Sutherland.

True to the Italian-based original, the opening scenes of the film are shot in Venice and the Italian Alps, but then the film moves swiftly to Los Angeles, USA, for what promises to be the most exhilarating and exciting car chase of the year.

But BMW couldn't have wished for a better marketing strategy, and the queues at the cinemas in September could be matched afterwards by those at Mini dealership doors.