MINI Hatchback (2014 -) Safety & Reliability

Although MINI Hatch safety levels have yet to be confirmed by the experts at Euro NCAP, the company is satisfied it has done more than is required to ensure a full five-star rating is achieved.

Three ISOFIX child seat mounting points are in the MINI: two on the back seat and one on the front passenger seat, the latter of which automatically disconnects the airbag.

Six airbags, including front, side and curtain, complement the high strength passenger safety cell, with deformable crumple zones front and rear.

There’s no escaping the MINI Hatch’s new longer and higher nose – something necessitated by pedestrian safety regulations.

LED tail lights offer improved visibility, while full LED headlights and front foglights are optionally available too.

Naturally, ABS brakes are standard, which are supplemented by electronic brakeforce distribution to maximise stopping power in emergency situations.

Traction control is standard and the optional adaptive cruise control with a collision mitigation function which will attempt to stop your MINI being involved with a frontal collision in the first place.

It’s too soon to know for sure how positive new MINI Hatch reliability will prove to be but the early signs are good.

The outgoing model is not known for a significant number of breakdowns and while the mechanical packages such as engines and gearboxes are new, they’re based on versions already fitted within other models in the BMW range.

Significant jumps in the quality of the materials used to finish the interior mean it should remain free from rattles and squeaks well into its life – the sensation now is very much of being in a small BMW than a larger MINI.