ANCAP crash test results

BMW Mini (LHD) | 2002 on

Front+side+head airbags

Important note: The left-hand-drive European model was tested by EuroNCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

Model history and safety features

The tested model of BMW MINI (LHD) was introduced in Australia during 2002.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment in Australia. Curtains are optional in Europe. ABS brakes are also standard.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash.

Overall evaluation:

The BMW Mini scored 10.19 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious upper leg injury was marginal for the driver. Chest and upper leg protection was marginal for the passenger.

The vehicle scored 14.38 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. A further 2 points were earned in the optional pole test.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 3pts, chest 2.1pts, upper legs 2pts, lower legs 3.09pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by X14mm and downwards 29mm. The steering wheel hub moved forwards 13mm, upwards 2mm and sideways 32mm. The front ("A") pillar moved 35mm rearwards. The width of the driver's doorway shortened by 32mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver but it bottomed out. Vehicle components were a potential source of injury for the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4pts, chest 2.38pts, abdomen 4pts, pelvis 4pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags as an option in Europe. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.

Injury measurements

Refer to the information sheet "How the test are done"	Offset Crash Test at 64km/h (v4.1)		Side impact crash test at 50km/h (v4.1)
	Driver	Passn	Driver
Head HIC	382	438.6	31.5
Acceleration (g for 3ms)	47.4	52.2	18.1
Neck - Shear (kN)	0.46	0.28	-
- Tension (kN)	1.65	1.51	-
- Extension (Nm)	16.47	24.39	-
Chest Accln (g for 3ms)	-	-	-
Compression (mm)	31.01	35.3	30.12
Viscous criterion (m/s)	0.14	0.19	0.19
Abdomen - Force (kN)	-	-	0.86
Pelvis - Force (kN)	-	-	2.8
Upper legs - Force    Left	0.69	0.53
(kN)      Right	2.92	0.01
Knee displ (mm)       Left	0.57	2.71
Right	0.56	0.14
Lower legs - Force    Left	3.36	2
(kN)      Right	3.03	2.86
Index (Upper/Low)    Left	0.5/0.39	0.24/0.22
Right	0.49/0.4	0.53/0.33

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: 2pts
Seat belt reminders: Not eligible

Modifiers for offset test scores

Head airbag bottomed out	1pt deduction
Chest	No deduction
Upper leg Variable & conc. loading	2pt deduction L & R
Lower leg	No deduction
Foot score	Score 4 points

Pedestrian rating (2002 protocol):

7.92 points out of 36

Child head impacts	1.93pts	Upper leg impacts	4pts
Adult head impacts	2pts	Lower leg impacts	0pts

ANCAP one-page printable version (PDF, 63 KB)

Page created: 6 December 2005