Largest Mini gets second highest score
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2017 Mini Countryman a Top Safety Pick rating, the second highest possible score. It earned a Good score on all crash tests but only a Marginal score for the optional LED headlights and Poor with the standard halogen ones (Good is the highest possible score).
On the IIHS’ front crash prevention test, the 2017 Countryman only received an Advanced rating since it only reduced the impact of a 12- and 25-mph collision by 7 mph when equipped with the available Active Driving Assistant.
The Active Driving Assistant bundles together a number of active safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist. All variants of the Countryman are available with the Active Driving Assistant only when equipped with the Fully Loaded package, which costs $7,750 and adds options like navigation, a larger 8.8-inch screen, adaptive LED headlights, automatic parking assist, a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system, and heated front seats. Mini’s other models also require the Fully Loaded package to be able to opt for the Active Driving Assistant, which is a $1,000 option.
In order for a vehicle to gain eligibility for the Top Safety Pick award, it must earn a Good score on all crash tests and an Advanced or higher rating on the front crash prevention test. The Top Safety Pick+ award, on the other hand, requires a car to receive a Good or Acceptable score on the headlights test to be eligible.
Source: IIHS