The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's rating reflects performance in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier. Based on the results of testing, the Institute evaluates the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles, assigning each vehicle a rating of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.
MINI's strong performance comes only four months after the 2007 MINI Cooper earned a 5 star Euro NCAP rating - the highest level - for crash test performance in both frontal and side impact performance.
"This top IIHS rating is further evidence that MINI continues to offer excellent occupant protection." said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. "These results demonstrate that small cars can be engineered with the highest level of safety and we are delighted that all MINIs come equipped with some of the very best technology the industry has to offer."
Press release via BMW/MINI