In the event of a side impact, 2006 MINI Cooper S comes with a head airbag system (AHPS 2 = Advanced Head Protection System), providing both front and rear passengers with a high level of protection against head injury. The system is comprised of an inflatable tubular airbag that deploys in conjunction with a sling-like curtain and is concealed in the roof liner edge stretching from the A pillar to the C pillar. AHPS 2 protects the head against side forces and against objects penetrating into the vehicle. In the event of an impact, the airbag deploys between the occupant's head and the sidewall of the vehicle. To further improve safety, this airbag remains inflated after activation to protect against secondary or tertiary side impacts, common in vehicle-to-vehicle accident situations, or in the event of a roll-over. Three-point safety belts offer protection for all four seats, with the front seats also featuring belt pre-tensioners, belt-force limiters and height adjustable upper mountings.

The comprehensive passive safety of 2006 MINI Cooper S is due in part to its robust body structure. The rigidity of the body shell, at 24,500 Nm/degree, is two to three times higher than that of other small cars and means that if a torsional force of 24,500 Newton meters were applied, the body itself would only twist by one degree. This also reduces vibration in the body and guarantees excellent handling in all conditions and with all driving styles. The body structure also makes the passenger cell extremely tough during impacts. Special crumple zones help to absorb energy and are extremely effective in the event of an accident.

The relative positions of the front seats and the transverse engine give optimum occupant protection. The stiff body shell and front bulkhead ensures that the passenger area is well protected. The power train has been specifically designed to transmit impact energy away from the passenger cell and through the floor.

A further standard safety feature is the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) on the starter battery at the rear, interrupting the flow of electric power in a severe impact.

Proper tire pressure is important in vehicle stability and safety. Therefore 2006 MINI Cooper S features a standard flat tire monitoring system that utilizes the ABS system to constantly monitor the rotation of the tires and will activate a warning light in the speedometer when the system detects that a tire begins to rotate differently as a result of lost pressure.

2006 MINI Cooper S is the only car of its size in the world to be fitted standard with run-flat tires for optimum safety in the event of a puncture. These tires enhance the car's active safety by keeping it stable after a blow out. The tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow the driver to proceed at speeds up to 50 mph for more than 90 miles even with the tires completely deflated.



2006 MINI Cooper S Exterior
Distinctive and Personal

First sight of 2006 MINI Cooper S reveals that this is a very special MINI. The car's lines and features demonstrate clearly that this is a powerful and agile car full of character. The "S" logo has been designed to resemble a series of bends in the road and is proudly boasted on the cars side grille and incorporated in the rear MINI logo. The true meaning of the "S" designation, as used on the famous Mini Cooper "S" of the '60s, is lost in time. It is believed that designer Sir Alec Issigonis and John Cooper disagreed over 'Sport' or 'Special' - so "S" simply came to mean "S".

The enhanced performance of 2006 MINI Cooper S is shown through its exterior design and styling. Functional modifications to the body allow the car's extra power reserves to be put to even more effective use. The air intake scoop on the bonnet not only accentuates the car's athletic appearance, but also serves to cool the flow of air between the supercharger and the engine.

Unique body-color front and rear bumpers, an integrated honeycomb grille in the deeper valance, side-sills finished in black, wider wheel arches and a roof spoiler all give 2006 MINI Cooper S a very special and athletic touch. Particularly, the roof spoiler was developed especially for the MINI Cooper S and it aids in increasing the down force on the rear, thus improving directional stability and driving behavior.

previous page | go to page6