When they wrecked the two Minis here (Calspan), they weren't allowed to share much of the findings with outsiders, but one thing I was told was that the Mini was one of the most rigid chassis' ever tested here. It had incredibly small compression with an impact of 35 into a solid wall. I think I remember the figure of 8 inches. Which means Mini is relying on interior features(eg. airbags, etc.) to keep the passengers safe, which the Mini did a very good job at. With that in mind, the footage here isn't that surprising, except that the driver apparently had very little memory of the bone-headed move he made on the track! Cogman
Well, after Friday I can report that you can get rearended by a dump truck in a Mini and drive away. Fortunately by dump truck standards it was pretty low speed, but my hatch doesn't look as good as it once did.
Looks like I'll be back at the Towne Body Shop again soon!
I actually had nice work done at the body shop, so I hope my luck continues.
I think it was a 15-20 mph impact, so it could have been worse. I was on a hill in Skaneateles, and not the steepest section of hill, fortunately. I slowed down to look at a street sign, and the truck driver didn't see me slowing down. Manual tranny & I wasn't braking, so I'll probably be using the brakes just for the lights in the future. He wasn't speeding or tailgating, but probably not far enough behind to brake a loaded truck on a hill.
My dad was with me, & I'm sure we're both a little stiffer than we would have beem but no injuries. He left yesterday to drive to Florida, so maybe it will help to make him a little more cautious on the way.
Me, I'm watching out for big things in my rear view mirror!