I quote the IIHS's own website:
"In the Institute's 40 mph offset test, 40 percent of the total width of each vehicle strikes a barrier on the driver side. The barrier's deformable face is made of aluminum honeycomb, which makes the forces in the test similar to those involved in a frontal offset crash between two vehicles of the same weight, each going just less than 40 mph."

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/frontal_test_info.html

I've seen those videos and I am very impressed, however, nothing changes the laws of physics, you have a shorter crumble zone, you will have less time to "slow down" on impact, therefore forces experienced by your body will be higher than if you had a larger crumble zone. Yes the MINI is very well built, but it will ALWAYS be less safe in a head on crash, than say, a BMW 5 series. Its simply due to less space to dissipate energy and less mass to "fight" with another car, if you do crash into one.

If you view the video closely, the smart car stops moving forwards a little bit earlier than the S class, so you will experience more deceleration forces.

I drive a MINI, I love my MINI, I think its one of the safest small cars on the road, that is why I bought it Its not as safe as a mid sized sedan in a crash, but I honestly believe it'll do good enough (based on all the crash testing) and the way a MINI can change direction in a split second definitely will help avoiding a crash in the first place.

 

If someone asks me if I feel safe in my MINI, I tell them about all the safety systems built into the car, and how nimble it is.

If that does not change their minds, I smile, and motor away happy

 

I've spent the last thirty minutes searching for it and I still can't find that nut behind the steering wheel. I guess I gotta pry off a cover or something?

 

everytime someone starts talking about the safety features of Athena and is worried about an accident i simply tell them get in and be quiet or walk usually since most of my friends are lazay they get in. Im not gonna spend time defending my baby to other people i bought it not them and if they aint happy i couldnt care less

 

Very well spoken. I wish more people would stop being so sensitive about what OTHER people think of their acquisitions and just be concerned what what THEY think about it.

I hate to bring up the word "validation" but having a strong conviction means you dont give 2 sheets to the wind about what others think.

 

Right on! Preach on brother chows!