MINI COOPER
2002-03 models
Vehicle tested:
2002 Mini Cooper
Class: Small car
Weight: 2,496 lbs.
Wheelbase: 97 in.
Length: 143 in.
Width: 66 in.
EPA ratings: 28 mpg city/
37 mpg highway
Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
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COMPARE:
Side-by-side ratings of any two vehicles in this class
Intrusion measures of any two vehicles in this class; the ability of a vehicle to limit intrusion into the occupant compartment is a key aspect of frontal crash protection
Photos of vehicles with highest and lowest ratings in this class | |
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TOP LEFT: Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test
TOP RIGHT: The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.
BOTTOM LEFT: Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's left forearm contacted the head during rebound.
BOTTOM RIGHT: There was little change in the position of the dummy's feet following the crash test. Injury risk was low. |
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| Frontal offset crash test results |
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Overall | |
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| Structure/safety cage |
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| Injury measures: |
| Head/neck |
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| Chest |
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| Leg/foot, left |
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Leg/foot, right |
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| Restraints/dummy kinematics |
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| IMPORTANT: Compared with other small cars--compare ratings only among vehicles of similar weight. |
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CRASHWORTHINESS PERFORMANCE Three aspects of crashworthiness are assessed in the Institute's 40 mph frontal offset crash test: how well each vehicle's front end manages crash energy to limit occupant compartment intrusion, injury risk measured on an average-size male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and how well the belt and airbag perform and interact with the steering column and other vehicle parts to control dummy kinematics (movement) |
The Mini Cooper was introduced in the 2002 model year.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the Mini in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier. Head restraint and bumper designs are evaluated separately.
OVERALL EVALUATION: GOOD The driver space was maintained well in the frontal offset crash test, and measures indicate that significant injury was unlikely. Side airbags with head protection, advanced frontal airbag and safety belt systems, an optional stability control system, and daytime running lights are all pluses.
STRUCTURE/SAFETY CAGE: GOOD There was minimal intrusion into the driver footwell area and minimal rearward movement of the instrument panel.
RESTRAINTS/DUMMY KINEMATICS: ACCEPTABLE Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head leaned partway out the open side window.
INJURY MEASURES: GOOD Measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injury to these body regions.
SPECIAL SAFETY FEATURES:
- Frontal airbags: deploy at one of two force levels depending on the severity of crash and seat belt use; deploy at higher crash speeds when occupants are belted than when they are unbelted
- Side airbags: for drivers' and front passengers' chests; separate side airbags for front and rear occupants' heads
- Safety belts: crash tensioners prevent slack in front belts from allowing excessive forward movement in a crash; devices on front belts limit belt forces on occupants
- Electronic stability control system to minimize the possibility of sideways skidding (optional)
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights (programmable by dealer)
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