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2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Safety Review

June 4, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Electronic stability control is now standard across the lineup
Cars.com

Not yet tested
NHTSA

Not yet tested
IIHS

The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible was only unveiled to the public a few months ago, and as of this writing, neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have had the opportunity to crash-test this new MINI 2009 model. Fortunately, the hardtop version of the MINI Cooper gives editors at TheCarConnection.com some idea of the safety credentials that this 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible will boast once the crash-test results become available.

While you wait for the official crash-test results, allow us to introduce you to some of the safety features that come on the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup. According to reviewers at Cars.com, "electronic stability control is now standard across the lineup," while other standard safety features include "side-impact head/torso airbags" and an "antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution." The MINI Cooper S Convertible and John Cooper Works versions both also get upgraded brakes compared to the base MINI Cooper Convertible.

The Convertible includes a new rear rollover hoop design. The new hoops, which remain almost hidden until a set of sensors detects a rollover, allow for greater visibility to the rear of the car. The result, according to Motor Trend, is that "the once-standard backup sensor is [now] optional." Motor Trend lists some of the other safety features as "an Alphabet Soup full of standard electronic aids including ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC and Hill Start-Off Assistance." In a nod toward the increasingly safety-conscious consumer market, MINI has included nearly all the available safety features as standard fare. In fact, Motor Trend states that "the only feature that's optional is Dynamic Traction Control," which features a "front wheel limited slip differential."

Car and Driver comments that "rear vision in the new [MINI Cooper S Convertibles] is still pretty lousy," especially with the top up. The main culprit with the top down is the roof, which doesn't retract fully inside the trunk but rather sits atop the rear of the car. While this design does increase usable trunk space, it also cuts significantly into the rearward sightlines.

Conclusion

The safety picture is still incomplete without crash-test data, but the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible has all the right electronics to keep you out of trouble.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Electronic stability control is now standard across the lineupCars.comNot yet testedNHTSANot yet testedIIHS The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible was only unveiled to the public a few months ago, and as of this writing, neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have had the opportunity to crash-test this new MINI 2009 model. Fortunately, the hardtop version of the MINI Cooper gives editors at TheCarConnection.com some idea of the safety credentials that this 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible will boast once the crash-test results become available. While you wait for the official crash-test results, allow us to introduce you to some of the safety features that come on the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible lineup. According to reviewers at Cars.com, "electronic stability control is now standard across the lineup," while other standard safety features include "side-impact head/torso airbags" and an "antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution." The MINI Cooper S Convertible and John Cooper Works versions both also get upgraded brakes compared to the base MINI Cooper Convertible. The Convertible includes a new rear rollover hoop design. The new hoops, which remain almost hidden until a set of sensors detects a rollover, allow for greater visibility to the rear of the car. The result, according to Motor Trend, is that "the once-standard backup sensor is [now] optional." Motor Trend lists some of the other safety features as "an Alphabet Soup full of standard electronic aids including ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC and Hill Start-Off Assistance." In a nod toward the increasingly safety-conscious consumer market, MINI has included nearly all the available safety features as standard fare. In fact, Motor Trend states that "the only feature that's optional is Dynamic Traction Control," which features a "front wheel limited slip differential." Car and Driver comments that "rear vision in the new [MINI Cooper S Convertibles] is still pretty lousy," especially with the top up. The main culprit with the top down is the roof, which doesn't retract fully inside the trunk but rather sits atop the rear of the car. While this design does increase usable trunk space, it also cuts significantly into the rearward sightlines. ConclusionThe safety picture is still incomplete without crash-test data, but the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible has all the right electronics to keep you out of trouble. 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Automobile Magazine: " MINI design team, forty-some strong, has done excellent work" Road & Track: " Convertible roof can be fully opened in just 15 sec. at speeds of up to 20 mph" Cars.com: "Standard Openometer that tracks how ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

As an extremely unique, classically styled, not inexpensive little open-air coupe, the MINI Cooper Convertible proves a challenge when finding a competitive set. But the Ford Mustang Convertible pops to mind; while the Mustang's muscle car mission contrasts with the MINI's less-is-more ethos, the Mustang possesses style in droves and offers an exciting driving experience—with less fuel efficiency and more weight. The Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible hews close to the classic Beetle's shape, but offers much more charm than it does fun driving dynamics. Or if you yearn for a convertible but don't want to make the sacrifices of driving a soft top in winter, consider the Volkswagen Eos and its wonderful, tight retractable hardtop. The Eos is neither that sporty-feeling to drive or particularly head-turning, though. Finally, you could consider a classic roadster, such as the Mazda Miata. Though it comes only as a two-seater, it's perhaps the closest to the MINI Cooper's lightweight joy, its controls and responses a seeming extension of the driver's wishes.

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See the MINI Cooper Convertible in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Kingoftheroad88 #1, Posted: 10/12/2009

    The greatest thing about this car is its cockpit!!! Outer design is also not bad!

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