SRS AIRBAG
Due to additional automotive safety standards in Europe and Japan, the MY97 Rover Mini came with all sorts of additional features including Side Intrusion Bars, Pre-tensioned Front Seat Belts and Drivers Side SRS Airbag. The bodyshell was upgraded and additional bracing and supports fitted and these cars were the safest Classic Mini every made.
Interestingly the SRS system was fully “stand alone” and not dependent on any other part of the car. Some components were shared between other vehicles from the “Rover” stables including the MGF. The SRS sensor was unique and calibrated especially to suit the Mini.
To enable continued sales in Japan a test vehicle completed the crash test to suit the Japanese Safety Standard TRIAS47 which was acceptable alternative to the Australian Design Rule ADR69. This was a remarkable feat and a credit to all the engineers involved as passing this regulation ensured the Mini would continue in production until the end of 2000.
SIDE INTRUSION BARS
Although part of the MY97 upgrade, the OEM side intrusion bars were not part of any official testing requirement for sale in Japan or the UK. This was not the case for Australia and when we first gained compliance for the Mini back in 1997, we were required to crash test the car to ensure they meet the requirements of the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 29.
They didn’t!!
This meant a rethink was required with a side intrusion bar that could be retro fitted into the door without requiring any major modifications.
As you can imagine room in the door is very tight and the bar had to satisfy the safety requirements as well as allowing the window and door lock to operate correctly.
In the end a custom bar was designed that could be retro fitted and meet the requirements of ADR29.
