The Petrol MINI Cooper Gets a Major Upgrade in Safety Features

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MINI’s new family of models represents massive change for the brand. But one thing that hasn’t been talked much about are the new safety features that have been introduced on the models. And it’s not just the all new models like the J01, J05 or U25 but also the refreshed F66 MINI Cooper.

It’s one thing to introduce new safety features on all new models and platforms. But the F66 MINI Cooper is a heavily refreshed F56 and MINI has gone to the trouble of fitting the same features on that car as well. What are they and how do they work? Let’s take a deep dive.

Blind Spot Detection. This is a system that uses small cameras on the side mirrors to see the driver’s blind-spot and alert them via a small yellow light.

Lane Departure Warning. This feature permanently monitors the zones to each side of the vehicle, detects vehicles in the ‘blind spot’ from 20 km/h and faster for desired lane change, warning via the steering wheel (vibration) and flashing symbol in the exterior mirror.

Front Collision Warning With Brake Intervention. Using the new sensor array in the front and the sensors on the top-center of the windshield, your MINI will warning (via an audio warning and a flashing light) of an impending collision. If it senses the collision is imminent, it will intervene with 100% of the car’s braking force.

Rear Cross Traffic Warning/Rear Collision Prevention. This uses the same concept as the front collision warning system but for the back of the car.

Exit Warning. Thanks to the same sensors that detect for vehicles in your blind-spot, this system will warning a driver if they’re opening their door as traffic is approaching.

The new sensor array that support some of the updated safety features.

MotoringFile’s Take

Naturally all of these features are also on each of MINI’s all-new models; the electric J01 Cooper, J05 Aceman and electric/combustion U25 Countryman. But the fact that MINI has retrofitted these features onto the F56 derived F66 shows you the level of effort they took to modernize that car. And it’s not just the F66 but also its derivatives; the F65 five door and the forthcoming F67 MINI Convertible.

While MINI’s isn’t necessarily leading the industry here, they are staying current and in some cases leading their segment. Add to this the active safety inherently built into any MINI and it’s clear that this new generation of models are by far the safest MINIs yet.

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