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5 stars for the MINI Countryman.
March 27th, 2011 
dave787
The MINI Countryman breaks new ground in delivering MINI’s hallmark driving fun with space for 5 adults, while simultaneously taking on role model status in terms of safety. The first MINI model with four doors and a large tailgate has claimed the top 5-star score in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results.
The MINI Countryman put in a convincing performance with its wide range of standard-fitted safety equipment designed to ensure highly effective occupant protection for both adults and children in various types of collision. Alongside the high levels of active and passive safety features designed to reduce the risk of injury inside the MINI Countryman, its pedestrian protection measures also played their part in securing the top rating.
In the frontal collision at a speed of up to 40 mp/h, the passenger cell of the MINI Countryman proved to be extremely stable. Irrespective of the size and sitting position of the passengers, only a slight risk of injury was detected. The MINI Countryman earned the maximum number of points for occupant protection in a side-on collision, while the testers also rated the risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae in a rear-end collision as low.
The crash test results were just as positive when it came to the use of seat systems for three-year-old and 18-month-old children. Both in the frontal and the side-on collision, a stable position and minimal head movements at the moment of impact were registered in each case.
Among the equipment protecting the passengers inside the MINI Countryman are front and side airbags, curtain head airbags covering both rows of seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seats and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear. The front seats have belt tensioners and belt force limiters, while the safety steering column of the MINI Countryman also comes with a deformation element. The body structure, restraint systems and safety electronics are perfectly coordinated to minimise the consequences of any type of collision.
The technology contributing to the MINI Countryman’s active safety includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which is fitted as standard. This system comprises not only ABS anti-lock brakes but also Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Hill Assist. The MINI Countryman also has a runflat indicator as a standard feature. This system monitors the tyres and uses a visual signal in the on-board computer display to alert the driver to any tyre damage.
The test procedure of the NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is considered one of the most rigorous in the world to be applied to new vehicles. Governments, automobile clubs and consumer associations across Europe acknowledge the Euro NCAP test as the benchmark for vehicle crash safety.
The Euro NCAP crash test also attaches great importance to pedestrian protection. The MINI Countryman takes account of these demands
through elaborately formed body elements with yielding structures at the front of the car, which help reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. The testers awarded the maximum number of points for the front bumper and front-end elements with regard to the risk of head injury to children in the event of a collision.
The MINI Countryman is the second of the brand’s current range of models to undergo the Euro NCAP crash test and immediately scoop the top 5-star rating. Prior to this the MINI Cooper had already secured the coveted maximum score from the independent NCAP testers by virtue of its comprehensive standard-fitted safety features and its exemplary crash behavior in a diverse range of collisions.
MINI makes sense for London drivers.
March 27th, 2011 dave787
MINI One D and MINI Cooper D 99g/km CO2 exempt from congestion charging from January 2011.
The new London Congestion Charge structure announced by Mayor of London Boris Johnson is further proof that MINI’s commitment to innovation and sustainability translate into real savings for MINI owners. Under the new Greener Vehicle Discount scheme MINI One D and MINI Cooper D Hatch models will be eligible for standard free of charge entry into the London Congestion Charge Zone from 4 January 2011 as cars that emit just 99g of CO2 per kilometre.
As with all MINI models both the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D comply with the EU5 emission standard and they achieve the same low fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. These values are an absolute record for any series production car produced by the BMW Group. In addition to the high efficiency of the diesel engine in the MINI One D and Cooper D, under the MINIMALISM umbrella both cars employ a host of fuel-saving and emission-lowering technology including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, Gearshift Indicator and Electromechanical Power Steering. All of these technologies and the standard six-speed manual gearbox play a role in eking the most out of every drop of fuel while also minimising the tailpipe emissions.
The replacement of the Alternative Fuel Discount with the new Greener Vehicle Discount recognises that technological advances in traditional engine development are such that many vehicles which did not qualify for the Alternative Fuel Discount have a much better environmental performance than those that did qualify.
Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK said “MINI has been the quintessential London car for the last 51 years, so we welcome this week’s news that our two cleanest and most efficient models can zip around the city free of charge. These models will join the 40 Congestion Charge exempt, all electric MINI Es which are currently on trial in the south east of the country.”
