I posted this first in "General MINI" section, but then realized it probably should be here in the 2nd Gen Section....sorry.
I also ran a search to see if someone else has posted this, but didn't find anything.....

Here is an article on Market Watch concerning new crash tests results for Small Cars. The MINI Cooper is actually considered a "mini-car", but apparently held its own quite well. If I read the article correctly, only the MINI Cooper got the best ratings for Front, Side and Rear impact collisions. (I think..??) Good to know!!

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/stor...%7D&dist=msr_1

 

Good info. Solid little cars.

 

Yes, the 2007+ MINI did well, but there's room for improvement. Here are the test scores and IIHS links:

Overall frontal offset crash: GOOD
Overall side impact (manufactured after July 2008): ACCEPTABLE
Overall rear crash:
If you read the fine print in the side impact link: "Beginning with 2008 models manufactured after July 2008, changes were made to the side torso airbags to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes." Yet still, the overall rating is only Acceptable-- the same as 2006 models.

You can watch the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper crash test (as well as other cars) at this Consumer Reports website.

- John

 

Dangerman,
I think it is also significant to note the "good" rating is the highest they award. Unfortunately, my Clubman was built in June, so it looks like I missed the boat. But I still love it!

 

Yeah, whoever wrote that article for marketwatch must have been in a hurry to get finished and do some holiday shopping. What they say in the article doesn't tie at all to what is in the IIHS website. If you click on best choices on their left-hand column (either small car or mini car), MINI doesn't appear at all. Then, when you read the detail on the MINI, you can see why.