SAFETY

F.I.R.S.T. - Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology

The extremely stiff body of the MINI Convertibles offers occupants a high level of protection when combined with the standard safety features. These safety features include intelligent front airbags, seatbelt latch tensioners, belt force limiters, head / thorax side airbags, reinforced A-pillars, door beams and strong roll bars. This technology in combination with a design that is engineered to manage the absorption of impact energy offers fully integrated crash protection and occupant safety.


Extra Stiff

The stiff body structure on the Convertible does more than just provide excellent driving and handling characteristics; it is designed to redirect and absorb much of the impact energy away from the passengers and through the body in the event of a collision.

To enhance the already stiff chassis design of the MINI Convertibles, the floor and side sills are specially reinforced. These components are larger and even sturdier in the MINI Convertible, primarily through the use of additional lower B-pillar crossbars and floor pan stiffeners. High strength door beams are also incorporated into the vehicle structure to help reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment during a side impact.

High strength aluminum roll-over hoops behind the rear seats along with a reinforced A pillar windshield surround helps to protect occupants in the event of a roll-over. Through these additional reinforcements, the Convertible offers a high level of passenger protection while retaining precise and nimble driving dynamics.

In high-force frontal crashes, the MINI Convertible powertrain is engineered to "break away" and be pushed under the car as the impact forces are absorbed. This design helps channel energy away from the occupants and reduces the likelihood of intrusion into the passenger compartment.


Airbag Protection

The MINI Convertible comes standard with four airbags. In addition to the two front-mounted airbags, 2006 MINI Convertibles' two side airbags protect occupants in the event of side impact. These head / thorax airbags are concealed within the Convertible's seat upholstery and are deployed to protect the occupant's head and upper body in the event of a side impact.

Additionally, the seat belt latch tensioners activate in the event of an impact and tighten the belts to reduce excessive movement of the belted occupants. The front belts fasten to the Convertible's reinforced lower B-pillar; the rear belts attach to the high-strength rear roll bars.


Give Me A Brake

The MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible feature 10.9-inch disc brakes in the front and 10.2-inch disc brakes in the rear, providing optimum stopping power, with standard Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS).

Also standard are two other electronic brake control and stability systems that offer excellent directional and driving stability, even in extreme situations. These systems include: Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which distributes brake forces between front and rear wheels, and, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), which prevents unstable conditions caused by lateral wheel load alterations in cornering situations. 

Optional control systems include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which, when working in concert with the engine management system and braking system, helps to keep the vehicle from losing lateral adhesion when pushed to its limits. Working with the ABS system, DSC is able to monitor and intervene in critical situations by applying varied brake forces on individual wheels and changing engine torque through the engine management system.

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