“Permanently engaged, Alfa’s VDC system is activated under extreme conditions, when vehicle stability is at risk”

The VDC system continuously monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car starts to slide, VDC cuts in to restore directional stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw), lateral acceleration, and steering input. Comparing this data with computer-generated parameters, the system establishes whether the car is cornering within its adhesion limits or if the front or rear wheels are about to lose grip.

To restore the required trajectory, VDC generates a yawing movement to counter that responsible for the vehicle’s instability by braking the appropriate wheel individually and reducing engine power via the throttle. Exceptionally-smooth brake modulation and engine power reduction are key attributes of a system designed by Alfa engineers to maintain outstanding performance and driving satisfaction throughout its operation.

Anti-slip regulation is an additional feature of the VDC system, designed to limit wheelspin in cases of low road surface grip. The system works at any speed and prevents the driven wheels from spinning by adjusting torque according to the grip coefficient detected at the time of slip. The system recognises loss of traction via the ABS sensors, and activates two different control systems to restore grip: in the case of both driven wheels spinning it reduces engine power via the throttle. If only one wheel spins, however, it is automatically braked; the resultant effect similar to that of a self-locking differential. ASR not only optimises vehicle safety in conditions of minimal or constantly varying degrees of grip, but also greatly reduces mechanical stress to the differential and gearbox through effective control of low speed take-off and traction.

The system is activated automatically whenever the engine is started, but may be deactivated via a switch on the centre console. A flashing warning light indicates ASR operation, while a second light illuminates to indicate system faults or irregularities. ASR deactivation is required when snow chains are fitted to allow for their effective use. The new Alfa 166 further benefits from motor-slip regulation, which cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip, restoring torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.

Also in the spring, the manufacturer launched the new Alfa GT, a true Gran Turismo sports coupé, which boasts a comprehensive range of safety systems. Available in four versions priced from £20,995 to £26,695 on the road, the line-up, in addition to six airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and a fully-integrated fire prevention system, comes with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems.

ABS anti-lock braking is combined with electronic brakeforce distribution over all four wheels, and a sophisticated vehicle dynamic control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by anti-slip regulation to limit wheelspin during acceleration, and motor-slip regulation to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears.

“Radar-based adaptive cruise control supports the driver of the new Audi A6 in keeping the right distance from the vehicle ahead”

Another brand-new feature, not only in the A6, but also in production cars the world over, is daytime driving lights featured in conjunction with xenon plus as well as the – likewise new – active cornering lights, xenon plus adaptive light. Consuming very little energy, the daytime driving lights offer the benefit of enhanced safety and visibility with virtually no additional fuel consumption and, as a result, no increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike use of the conventional low-beam headlights during the day, this new technology, therefore, literally comes “for free” and does not harm the environment in the slightest. The very dynamic rear contour line on the A6 provides additional downforce at the back in the interest of safe driving.

The range of safety equipment featured as standard in the new A6 includes the latest generation of ESP including brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. In the event of a collision the car’s occupants are effectively protected by the robust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable passenger cell, which is augmented by front and side airbags as well as a sideguard head airbag system. The two full-size front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of an accident. Active front head restraints fitted as standard help to protect the occupants in a collision from behind.

Also new and optional is radar-based adaptive cruise control, which supports the driver of the new A6 in keeping the right distance from the vehicle ahead. Enhancing the standard cruise control system, the sophisticated system automatically controls the speed of the car as a function of the preselected distance from the vehicle ahead. In practice, this relieves the driver of constantly having to press down the accelerator and brake pedals, adaptive cruise control thus adding a lot more driving pleasure, particularly on long trips on the motorway in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

“Dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control and electronic differential lock will help to ensure BMW’s 1 Series stays on the road”

The high level of standard safety features combined with structural integrity means that BMW hopes that the 1 Series will achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. Optional 1 Series extras include acoustic park distance control at the front and the rear and bi-xenon headlights. In May, BMW launched the all-new 5 Series Touring in the UK with two petrol and two diesel variants. They will be followed in the autumn by a new high-performance diesel engine arriving in the new 535d. Like its saloon counterpart (Roadsafe: summer 2003), the new 5 Series Touring comes as standard with driver safety aids such as dynamic stability control (including dynamic traction control), corner brake control and brakeforce display.

BMW’s new brakeforce display system, which helps prevent rear end accidents and is now fully legal in European Union countries, is standard equipment on the new 5 Series Touring range. Under normal braking conditions, the LED brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed. However, in emergency braking situations or when the anti-lock brakes cut in, a larger area of LED brake light illuminates to provide a warning to drivers behind of a dangerous situation ahead, giving them the maximum opportunity to react.

The 5 Series Touring is available with a wide range of optional equipment, including BMW’s unique active steering system, which adjusts the amount of steering angle delivered to the front wheels, depending on vehicle speed. At slower speeds, to enhance manoeuvrability, less steering wheel input is required to change the angle of the front wheels. But at higher speeds, the steering becomes progressively more direct, requiring more steering wheel input to change the front wheel angle, thereby assisting high-speed stability. Active steering is also linked to the DSC system so that if the car detects any oversteer, a small amount of corrective steering angle will be introduced automatically to stabilise the situation. For the enthusiast, this means fewer DSC interruptions under hard cornering with no reduction in passive safety.

Dynamic drive is also available. Using active anti-roll bars on the front and rear, dynamic drive reduces body roll during cornering by up to 80%, thereby stabilising the car and increasing ride comfort. BMW’s new head-up display system will debut in the 5 Series Touring in the autumn. The driver safety innovation projects a virtual image of important information, such as road speed, cruise control speed and check control messages, directly on to the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.

With the image appearing to be at the front of the bonnet, drivers do not need to refocus their eyes, which helps to reduce driver fatigue. The projection of information is not affected by the exterior lighting conditions since the system automatically adjusts the intensity of the image to suit the ambient conditions. Finally, in combination with bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive headlamps are available. Using the speed and steering angle signals from the DSC system, the headlamps can swivel by up to 15 degrees. Hence they illuminate the road ahead rather than the direction in which the car is pointing.

All three models, which have been constructed on the same specially-designed and strengthened platform, come with four airbags as standard, and offer sophisticated multiplex features, such as automatic activation of the hazard warning lights on heavy braking. Additionally, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assistance is standard on the C3 and C3 Pluriel and available on most C2 models. Meanwhile, the C4, Citroën’s all-new lower-medium sector contender that will make its world debut at September’s Paris Motor Show and can be expected in UK showrooms before the end of the year, will feature a revolutionary safety-inspired steering wheel.

Unlike conventional steering wheels, the hub of the wheel will not rotate. The technology means that, for example, the driver’s airbag will always deploy from the same position and not at an angle if the steering wheel is being turned to negotiate a corner. It will also allow Citroën to accommodate more switchgear on the steering wheel – the manufacturer has been a leader in deploying audio switches on steering wheels – thus meaning drivers do not have to divert their eyes from the road ahead. A spokesman says: “In improving the ergonomics of vehicles, we are consciously also aiming to improve safety.”

The chassis has fully-independent suspension, precise rack and pinion steering, and disc brakes all round, with anti-lock ABS, electronic brakeforce and brake assist for maximum stopping power. A dual-mode traction control system is also available as an option. In the UK, three-point seatbelts and head restraints are fitted for all five occupants. Both front belts have height-adjustable top mounts, pretensioners and load limiters. Two ISOFIX anchor points are fitted in the rear seat for child safety seats.

“Land Rover’s Terrain Response automatically tunes the vehicle’s systems, including engine and gearbox response”

The Discovery 3 will also feature established Land Rover slip-control systems including dynamic stability control, electronic traction control and the award-winning hill-descent control to cope with any situation on or off-road. The vehicle made its world debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live at the NEC, Birmingham in May and the company claims Discovery 3 will reinforce Land Rover’s command of a market sector that it created with the original Discovery.

“In the event of an accident, eleaid sends out an emergency call signal that identifies the precise location of the vehicle”

“In the event of an accident, eleaid sends out an emergency call signal that identifies the precise location of the vehicle”

New innovations designed to provide greater safety serve to underpin the reputation of the C-Class as a technology trendsetter in this market segment. Notable examples include bi-xenon headlamps, which Mercedes-Benz combines with a special cornering light function. For the first time, the cornering light system has been integrated in the fog lamp, thus enabling illumination of a wide area alongside and in front of the car, meaning that pedestrians and cyclists are easier to spot when turning. Visibility on tight bends is also improved with this new system installed.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz gave a world debut to the four-door CLS-Class Coupé, whose safety system includes the multi-award-winning Pre-safe, which recognises critical driving situations in advance and activates occupant protection measures before an accident occurs. These include instantly tightening the seatbelts, which brings the driver and front passenger into a more favourable seating position ahead of a possible collision. This allows the airbags to provide effective protection for the occupants in the event of an impact. Apart from adaptive front airbags, the four-door newcomer also features windowbags and sidebags, plus belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats.

The new CLS-Class, which will enter showrooms in the autumn, is also fitted as standard with the sensotronic brakecontrol system and the latest generation of the electronic stability programme. And the Coupé is available with a host of other optional innovations which make life on the road safer. These include high-output bi-xenon headlamps with the active cornering headlamp system, which Mercedes-Benz is offering for the first time with a cornering light function on the model. The new SLK-Class enters the UK market later this summer. The two-seater’s range of standard equipment includes head-thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters.

An ultramodern design procedure, a 40% increase in the use of high-tensile steel alloys and many other additional measures will allow the new Mercedes roadster to surpass the high safety standards set by its predecessor. The occupant protection systems respond to the prevailing situation: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using adaptive airbags in this model range, which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the accident. The belt force limiters, now standard equipment, also function in two stages and adjust to the severity of the accident.

In instances of side impact, recently developed head-thorax airbags spring into action and protect the occupants’ head and upper body. A special sensor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners in the event of the vehicle rolling over. Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional protection in accidents of this kind.

Meanwhile, the emergency call and information system Teleaid will soon function across the length and width of nine European countries. In the event of an accident, the system sends out an emergency call signal which identifies the precise location of the vehicle and guides the rescue services to the scene of the accident. In addition, the SOS signal also contains data on the severity of the accident. There is also a button which passengers inside the vehicle can press to call for assistance or contact service experts from Mercedes-Benz in the event of mechanical breakdown.

The emergency call centre establishes a mobile phone connection with the vehicle occupants in order to determine the exact assistance measures required. If the call is not answered, Teleaid headquarters immediately alerts the police and rescue services. The further developed emergency call system is available around the clock in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland, initially in the S-Class saloon and the flagship CL-Class Coupé.

Finally, like all manufacturers Mercedes-Benz uses motorshow premiered research vehicles to provide an insight into tomorrow’s technology. The F500 – the latest in a long line of “F”-badged futuristic vehicles, at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show – was a four-door that showcased more than a dozen approaches to safety, comfort, environmentalism and style that are likely to be seen in forthcoming Mercedes models.

Features on the F500 include electronic pedals, infrared laser night vision, a programmable multi-vision dash display and six powerful xenon projector-beam headlights. The infrared laser high-vision system features a special video camera that “translates” the reflected infrared images and displays them on the car’s multi-vision screen. The infrared headlights emit very short light pulses that are synchronised with shutters on the video camera, so that the system is not affected by visible light from oncoming vehicles. Researchers plan to add a second camera later for a “stereo” system that will see hazards even better and provide extra warning time.

The F500 has nearly five inches of extra leg room because the usual mechanical pedals have been replaced by pressure-sensitive electronic panels. Eight sensors in each panel measure “pedal” effort and relay the electronic signal to control units in the engine and brake system. The technology allows finely-controlled acceleration and braking with very short response times, as well as more protection in a severe frontal collision.

“Mitsubishi Active Stability Control and Traction Control are electronic ‘safety nets’ that constantly monitor the vehicle’s dynamic stability”

MASC (Mitsubishi Active Stability Control) and MATC (Mitsubishi Active Traction Control) are electronic “safety nets” that constantly monitor the vehicle’s dynamic stability and are standard on Equippe and Elegance models. The new Grandis, while not a direct replacement for the Space Wagon, is an evolution of the MPV concept, created to be sleek and distinctive with flexibility that reflects the real needs of MPV customers.

Meanwhile, September will see the launch of the new Colt, which Mitsubishi is calling its “most significant car ever to be launched in Europe”. The new Colt will be the first B-segment Mitsubishi to be sold in Europe and active and passive safety features will include driver and passenger airbags and standard ABS with EBD. The vehicle, like the Grandis, is also fitted with Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) system that integrates all of the car’s active and passive safety features. The Colt will be available in four trim levels from September with prices ranging from £8,999-£12,499.

“Nissan’s Lane Departure Warning system alerts drivers of an unintended movement of the vehicle out of a designated traffic lane”

In 2001, the Almera Tino was crowned as the safest MPV on the road, gaining four stars in the Euro NCAP crash test programme although it has subsequently been overtaken by the five-star Renault Scenic. Its baby sister, the Almera, has a boast of its own, being the first car in its class to offer an “active head restraint” (AHR), a system to reduce neck injuries caused by rear impact. Three-point, front and rear seatbelts are standard on all models as are driver and passenger airbags. One of the features on most Primeras, as well as some Almeras, is the rear parking camera. It is like having eyes in the back of your head with a tiny wide angle camera lens giving a broad view of the area behind the car – so sensitive, the camera even works in the dark.

Friendly lighting was introduced on the new Micra – at night, after the engine and lights are switched off and doors locked, the headlights remain illuminated for a set period, lighting the path home. Automatically switching themselves off, the system can be preset by up to two minutes. Nissan’s 4x4s, the Terrano and X-Trail are the first in their segments to offer active front seat headrests on some models. Drivers also benefit from the high driving position, giving an improved view of the road ahead, allowing increased reaction times should a situation develop.

Meanwhile, Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America, has announced the availability later this year of a new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, which alerts drivers of an unintended movement of the vehicle out of a designated traffic lane. The new system, which utilises a small camera, speed sensor, an indicator and an audible warning buzzer, will be offered this autumn on 2005 models of Infiniti’s FX crossover sport utility vehicle – the first production application of LDW in North America. The LDW system will also be available on the next generation M45 performance luxury sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2005 as a 2006 model.

The Infiniti brand is currently under study for sale in Europe with a possible introduction date before the end of the decade, although LDW could be available in Europe fitted to a Nissan a bit sooner, according to a UK spokesman. Robert Yakushi, director, product safety, regulatory, accessory quality, Nissan North America, Inc, says: “Studies show that 55% of fatal accidents in the United States are caused by lane departure. These are caused by various factors, including driver distraction, inattention or drowsiness. The LDW system generates a warning to help alert the driver that the vehicle is about to move out of its lane.”

The Infiniti LDW system is temporarily disabled by driver activation of the vehicle’s turn signals, which informs the system’s control unit of intended lane changes. The system also features a manual cancel switch, which allows the driver to turn the system off when desired. The system automatically resets when the vehicle is restarted. The Infiniti lane departure system recognises lane markings through the use of a small camera mounted behind the rear view mirror. The camera’s signal and the vehicle’s speed are sent to the system’s advanced microprocessing unit, which combines the information to calculate both the distance between the vehicle and the lane marking and the lateral velocity to the lane marking. A judgment is then made as to whether the vehicle is moving out of the lane (depending on the distance and lateral velocity to the lane).

If it is determined that the vehicle is leaving the lane, both visual (indicator light located on the instrument panel) and audible (buzzer) warning signals are generated, alerting the driver to take corrective action. The system will not operate if the camera can’t detect the lane markers or if the vehicle’s speed is below 45 miles per hour. Peugeot’s all-new 407, successor to the 406 fleet favourite, has gone on sale in the UK in saloon and estate guises.

Industry commentators have made much of the 407’s radically-styled front and Peugeot says its design has been significantly influenced by a concern to meet tough new European Commission pedestrian protection legislation due for introduction in 2005 (Roadsafe: Winter 2003).

Folksham, in league with Aftonbladet, the leading Swedish evening newspaper, studied the accident safety performance of a wide selection of 2003 car models, and singled the Saab 9-5 out as being the safest car of all in reallife accident conditions, not just in the laboratory. Christer Nilsson, safety engineer and spokesman at Saab Automobile AB, says: “It is especially gratifying for the Saab 9-5 to be mentioned as the safest car of the year by Folksham and Aftonbladet.

This distinction is based on the results of our research into real-life accidents. It demonstrates the effectiveness of all of Saab’s work with crash safety, and supports our philosophy of real-life safety.” The newspaper said: “According to a study made by Folksham, the Saab 9-5 was the safest car in Sweden in 2003. It is the only car with a crash safety record over 40% better than the average car. The Saab 9-5 has also been recognised by having the lowest risk of personal injury and invalidity among all cars.”

The Altea has a comprehensive level of active safety with ABS, TCS, ESP and the built-in emergency braking system (EBA). These, together with its new electro-mechanical power steering and new chassis with SEAT’s agile chassis technology, are said to guarantee stability and exceptional road handling.

In addition, a new arrangement where the rear disc brake callipers are in front of the disc, greatly enhances braking stability. The Altea will also be the first SEAT model to be sold in the European Union equipped as standard with driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, as well as three-point anchoring on all seatbelts, front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and rear seats with the ISOFIX system for child seats.

Legacy and Outback models equipped with side and curtain airbags achieved ANCAP’s highest-recorded five-star points tally at 35.52 out of a 37 maximum. And models without side/curtain airbags achieved a five-star status – believed to be a world first. Badged “Liberty” in Australia, the Legacy and Outbacks also achieved a three-star pedestrian safety result. The new Legacy – which holds the title of “Japanese Car of the Year” – has won widespread praise throughout the world for its active safety provided by symmetrical all-wheel drive.

“Toyota’s all-new Corolla Verso is the first model in the lower medium sector to feature a cornering assist monitor”

It is also the first model in the lower medium sector to feature a cornering assist monitor, which helps the driver “see” around blind corners by means of a front-mounted miniature camera which relays real-time images to a dashboard display screen. The system is available as a £2,300 option exclusively on range-topping T Spirit models and is combined with a complementary rear view monitor system and full-map DVDbased satellite navigation with electronic traffic avoidance.

Nine airbags are fitted as standard, including the segment’s first knee airbag, and there is a two-stage seatbelt warning system, also unique within the compact MPV segment, that combines a dashboard warning light and buzzer if front seat passengers fail to buckle-up within a set period of time. In the Euro NCAP test, the Corolla Verso also achieved an equal best-in-class four-star child protection rating – the Ford Focus C-Max achieved a similar score – and a two-star pedestrian protection rating.

“Safety improvements to Toyota’s hatchback, saloon and estate models include curtain airbags across the range”

Meanwhile, in February, Toyota facelifted the Avensis Verso, which can accommodate up to seven people in three rows of seats. Included within the changes was a strengthening of the all-round safety performance of the Avensis Verso with the introduction of front side airbags and curtain shield airbags as standard equipment, in addition to driver and front passenger airbags. The active safety package also now includes optional vehicle stability control and traction control, while ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist remain standard on all versions. The car’s navigation system with full colour mapping facility is available as an option on rangetopping T Spirit models.

The system also incorporates a rear view monitor and park assist, which makes reverse parking manoeuvres both simpler and safer. Clear colour images from a miniature camera mounted on the tailgate are transmitted to the dashboard display screen when reverse gear is selected. In “manual assist mode”, the image on the screen is overlaid with fixed guidelines, which indicate the correct path to follow into a parking space.

If desired, these guidelines can be removed from the screen at the touch of a switch. In “reverse assist mode”, the guidelines move in line with the vehicle, showing the driver the steering angle required throughout the parking manoeuvre. Finally, the Toyota Avensis, which achieved the highest five-star Euro NCAP test rating for passenger crash protection, has had safety features on all 1.8 VVT-I models boosted with the addition of vehicle stability control, traction and brake assist. Those features are in addition to standard ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution and provide greater levels of control in hazardous driving conditions. VSC, TRC and BA were already standard on 2.0 and 2.4 litre VVT-I models.