From the viewpoint of the architecture, the bodyshell also benefits from numerous measures such as the use of boxed elements that are rigidly connected transversely and vertically, three load lines in the front, longitudinals that run the whole length of the car, built-in structures and a larger number of spot welds around structural nodes. The result is best in segment torsional bodyshell rigidity, says the company. The 159 boasts as many as eight airbags (including special bags to protect the knees and sidebags that extend all along the windows area); innovative restraint systems (pretensioners on the clasp, and decreasing load limiters on the seatbelts), and front seats with an “anti-whiplash” device which brings the head restraint nearer to the occupants’ necks in the event of a rear impact.

The car’s dynamic behaviour is controlled by a number of sophisticated electronic systems: vehicle dynamic Control (VDC) guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, no matter how extreme; when the driver changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR ) intervenes, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock.

The other systems that supplement VDC are: anti-slip regulation (ASR), hydraulic brake assistance (HBA), which intervenes during emergency braking, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) system complete with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and the hill-holder for hill starts. Active safety is also enhanced by sophisticated bi-xenon headlights.

“New pressure control on the Audi A4 ensures more precise intervention of the ESP stability functions in any given situation”

The new brake disc wiping function now integrated into ESP helps to keep the brake discs largely dry on wet roads, even when the driver does not apply the brakes for a relatively long time. The brake linings are imperceptibly pressed against the discs under low hydraulic pressure at regular intervals, ensuring more positive brake response in wet conditions.

The new A4 is now fitted with a two-stage ESP deactivation button: one brief touch of the button deactivates the ASR system. This is sometimes necessary in deep snow or on gravel roads in order to pull away smoothly. Pressing and holding the button, on the other hand, deactivates ESP in all operating conditions, although the EDL and ABS functions remain operative. A rigid body structure and meticulously calculated deformation properties, in conjunction with seat belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and ultra-modern protection systems such as the new two-stage front airbags and sideguard head-level airbag system, have, says Audi, created an outstanding level of occupant safety. The floor assembly, where large-volume sills with an internal aluminium profile and sturdy cross-members direct and absorb the impact energy, provides an excellent foundation.

The crash-optimised B-pillars, which have undergone several detail changes in the new A4, also contribute to stability. The effective protection offered by the Audi A4’s body has been affirmed in extremely tough crash tests simulating side-on collisions with sport utility vehicles. The seats also make a valuable contribution to occupant protection. The front seats are integral steel structures with extremely rigid cross-bracing that helps them to retain their shape in a side-on crash. This is of crucial benefit in keeping the survival zone intact. A new addition to the list of standard safety equipment is the active head restraints for the front seats, which increase protection in a rear impact. A seatbelt reminder system is now also part of the standard specification on all new Audi A4 models. In addition to the large-area front airbags, occupants are protected by several airbag systems, including sideguard, a head-level side airbag system covering virtually the entire side window area, from the A-pillar to the C/D-pillar.

“BMW's head-up display can show up to 300 different warning messages on the windscreen in addition to navigation directions"

Research into driver fatigue shows that continual refocusing of the driver’s eyes between the instruments and the road ahead is a significant contributor to drowsiness. Head-up display uses a thin film transistor screen and a four-mirror projector to beam an 18 x 9cm square image on to the windscreen. Up to 300 different warning messages can be displayed on the windscreen in addition to navigation directions. A button next to the light switch on the dashboard enables the driver to alter the light intensity or turn the system off. Head-up display needs to be ordered in conjunction with a navigation system and is available on 5-Series as an £880 option.

“The Award recognises the strides Citroën has made in promoting greater safety in our vehicles”

Citroën UK managing director Alain Favey says: “Innovation through technology has always been a Citroën hallmark, and in the case of LDWS the benefit is potentially life-saving. This Award recognises the strides we have made in promoting greater safety in our vehicles.” According to research conducted at Loughborough Sleep Research Centre, driver fatigue is a major contributory factor in some 25% of all road accidents that result in death or serious injury. With LDWS, whenever the car unintentionally drifts across a lane at speeds above 50 mph, the system vibrates the driver’s seat in a similar way to the rumble strips that run alongside motorways, alerting the driver to danger. Other recent innovations on Citroën vehicles include directional headlamps for improved night-time visibility, laminated glass for greater safety and security and programmable speed limiters to help drivers avoid speeding in controlled areas such as motorway roadworks. And the C6 will feature, among other innovations, a head-up display that will project key information such as speed and navigation details on to the windscreen, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

Controls on the dashboard allow the driver to turn the display on or off, select which information to display or adjust the image format. Apart from LDWS, the C6 will also feature Xenon dual function directional headlamps, which enable the driver to see more of the road when cornering, front and rear parking sensors, a speed limiter and daytime running lights. Built on the same platform that has already provided Europe’s highest-scoring car – the C4 – according to crash tests carried out under Euro NCAP, the C6 promises the very highest standards of safety, says the manufacturer. There are nine airbags, including one to protect the driver’s knees, as well as active head restraints that help prevent whiplash injuries. And helping the driver to maintain control in even the most demanding of conditions, the C6 features ESP and a braking system that includes ventilated discs front and rear.

Prior to the launch of the C6, the C1 supermini will go on sale this summer – a sister car to the Peugeot 107 (see page 58) and Toyota Aygo (see page 61). As well as its newly-developed body structure, which incorporates crumple-zones and impact absorbers at the front and rear as well as reinforced doors, the C1 offers ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, corner stability control, ISOFIX anchor points, rear-door child safety functions, and up to six airbags.

C1, says Citroën, has been specially designed to limit the consequences of a pedestrian impact with, for example, two impact absorbers at the front to help limit leg injuries and a bonnet that has been designed to absorb energy more effectively. It has also been designed to keep down repair costs in the event of a low-speed impact, thanks to the type and position of the bumpers and the use of detachable energy absorbers at the front and rear.

“The Award recognises the strides Citroën has made in promoting greater safety in our vehicles”

ABS brakes are standard – with the added benefits of electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA). Some of the C2 Enterprise’s competitors do not currently have ABS, and of those with ABS, none have both EBD and EBA. Other C2 Enterprise safety features include an adaptive driver’s airbag, a passenger’s airbag with cut-off facility and two adjustable head restraints. The vehicle’s height adjustable seatbelts also have pretensioners and force limiting devices.

A further C2 Enterprise safety feature is the automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights in the event of sudden deceleration or impact. And, uniquely in this sector, the C2 Enterprise van has a two-piece rear door, allowing for easier loading/unloading in tight parking spaces and reduced damage from dents and scrapes.

“To ensure the new Croma offers the greatest passive safety, the Fiat Auto Safety Centre engineers examined all possible types of accident”

Featuring much of the safety technology found in other Fiat models, the new supermini derivative boasts up to six airbags, whilst front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seatbelts, anti-submarining seats, and an FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.

The model also notched a four-star child protection rating and a two-star pedestrian protection rating. The scores, says Ford, built on the strong performance already demonstrated by the Focus C-Max, which was the first car ever to be awarded a four-star child protection rating. In announcing the results Adrian Hobbs, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “The Ford Focus achieved the highest score for occupant safety ever achieved since we began testing new vehicles seven years ago and this makes it the best-performing vehicle in its class.

“Ford could stop at Euro NCAP, but we don't. We go a lot further”

“Our procedures and protocols are recognised the world over as the most rigorous and exacting, but the Ford product development team has helped raise the benchmark in terms of safety – giving other manufacturers something to strive for.” Ford of Europe’s vice-president of product development Derrick Kuzak, says: “The results of the Euro NCAP test have confirmed our rigorous internal testing standards. In the new model, we wanted to set new levels of crash protection for the Ford Focus brand. In doing so, we have created a new standard for the mid-sized family car class.” In addition, the new Focus achieved top honours in two independent neck injury evaluations carried out by Folksam and the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group. A Ford spokesman says: “This performance is extremely important as neck injuries in rear impact make up 75% of all personal injury claims in Europe.”

Throughout the bodystyle range – hatchback, estate and saloon – the new Focus has a structure designed to protect its occupants within a lightweight and efficient survival cell. It is constructed from variable-gauge, laser-welded panels of high-strength steel. Both the occupant cell and the surrounding energy-absorbing crush zones were rigorously tested in virtual and physical form, verified by the most powerful computers in the industry and tested in a state-of-the-art safety centre. More crush space has been achieved by a controlled detaching of stiff chassis components from the body structure underfloor, which allows the impact energy to pass beneath the rigid passenger cell, reducing the deceleration values for the occupants and avoiding deformation of the underfloor structure.

“We wanted to set new levels of crash protection for the Ford Focus brand. In doing so, we have created a new standard for the mid-sized family car class”

The structure includes such features as new compression members inside the door waist to reduce the A-pillar and instrument panel beam deformation and a new straight cross-car beam bolted between the A-pillars, which stabilises the body side structure and minimises the intrusion of the steering column and pedals. These structural features, combined with advanced passive safety systems (see story, right), set a new standard of crash protection for the Focus brand, says the manufacturer. As a result, the new Focus exceeds the crash performance criteria of all current European legislation. Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director, says: “We could stop at Euro NCAP, but we don’t. We go a lot further. Euro NCAP only covers one aspect of a vehicle’s performance, but we are building over and above that element.” Efforts to create a higher-quality appearance have also resulted in easier and more cost-effective repair processes. One such example on the new Focus is the boron grille opening reinforcement beam.

In previous designs, separate components were mounted to a variety of points, making it hard to ensure consistency in terms of alignment and gaps. The new design eliminates variations in lines or gaps by being mounted into fixed points. If damaged in an accident, it can be replaced to fit exactly as it left the production line.

“Last year, Kia notched its sixth consecutive record-breaking year, with a 1.3% market share”

The Sedona, which has received a five-star rating in both frontal and side impact crash tests every year since its debut in 2002, was one of five MPV/minivans to receive NHTSA’s highest rating in the most recent test.

Peter M Butterfield, president and chief executive officer of Kia Motors America says: “We are extremely pleased to once again earn a five-star rating from the US government for the Sedona [Carnival in the US]. “The latest five-star rating is further proof of our commitment to building high quality vehicles with unprecedented levels of standard safety and convenience features.” Kia unveiled its all-new Sedona MPV at this year’s Chicago Auto Show and the model will go on sale in Europe in 2006. Full details of the Europe-bound version have yet to be released.

Safety was a prime design consideration and cental to the development of the new model. Its body construction provides a rigid passenger safety cell and occupant protection that has been developed to better the injury criteria defined in North American safety standards. Further safety systems include ABS brakes, incorporating EBD and a driver’s airbag. The LDV Maxus has gone through stringent design, development and testing processes to global standards, including the modelling and optimising of crash performance prior to the crash testing of 16 vehicles.

“The Lexus GS has been created with the express aim of achieving maximum safety”

All versions are equipped with ABS with EBD, brake assist (BA), traction control (TRC) and vehicle stability control (VSC). The GS430 model is the first in Europe to deploy Lexus’s vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM), which co-ordinates the functions of the ABS, EBD, TRC and VSC together with the electric power steering and variable gear ratio steering to ensure they operate as smoothly and effectively as possible, as the car reaches the limit of its performance. Adaptive cruise control (standard on the GS430, optional on the GS300 SE-L) uses radar technology to ensure drivers keep a safe distance from the car in front and is linked to Lexus’s pre-crash safety system. This uses the same network of sensors to determine when a collision becomes inevitable and prepares the seatbelts and the emergency braking system to deliver the optimum performance at the split second they are needed. Passive safety systems include 10 airbags, including knee airbags for driver and front seat passenger and front and rear curtain shield airbags. All models except the entry level GS300 also feature rear passenger side airbags.

In addition, both front and outer rear passenger seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters and there are ISOFIX attachments for the secure location of compatible child seats. Pedestrian safety has also been addressed, with the bonnet, engine cowl and front bumper having a crushable design. The bonnet is shaped to disperse impact energy over a larger area and also to lessen the risk of serious head injuries, by offsetting the angle of head impact.

Safer night-time driving is enabled, thanks to high intensity discharge headlamps with Lexus’s adaptive front-lighting system (AFS). Standard on all GS models, AFS monitors the vehicle’s turning radius and moves the angle of the headlamp beams to improve forward lighting through bends in the road. Karl Schlicht, vice-president of Lexus Europe, says: “The Lexus GS has been created with the express aim of achieving maximum safety. Our target was not only to protect the cabin occupant when an accident occurs, but also to develop innovative accident avoidance systems. We are delighted to see our efforts recognised by these outstanding Euro NCAP crash test results.”

Much of that technology will also feature in the new generation IS, which will go on sale in Europe at the end of this year. A Lexus spokesman says: “Superior body control, cornering grip and straight-line stability are hallmarks of the new IS, set to continue to be one of the best-handling sports saloons in its segment.” It will feature class-leading safety equipment, including Lexus’s radar-controlled pre-crash safety system, adaptive cruise control and intelligent adaptive front lighting system. Ten airbags will be fitted as standard, including a first-in-segment double knee airbag. Performance, traction control and vehicle stability will be further enhanced by Lexus’s vehicle dynamics integrated management system.

Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is to roll-out its multi-award-winning Pre-Safe technology, which debuted on the luxury S-Class, to a number of other models. With the luxury marque’s model line-up expanding rapidly over the next 12 months, Pre-Safe, which won last December’s Prince Michael International Road Safety Technology Award, will be available on both the new M-Class and R-Class as well as the CLS-Class due late this year.

“Mercedes-Benz puts safety at the heart of its design philosophy”

In making the presentation, Prince Michael stressed the importance of technological advancements in the area of road safety, describing Mercedes-Benz as “a manufacturer that puts safety at the heart of its design philosophy, not just in the area of crash protection, but of crash avoidance too.” Pre-Safe is an anticipatory protection system that detects critical handling situations and immediately springs into action to prepare occupants and vehicle alike for an imminent collision. Precautions include pulling the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelts taut, adjusting the front passenger seat to the optimum position and automatically closing the sliding sunroof. These preventive protection measures improve the seating position of the vehicle’s occupants prior to impact, thereby enhancing the restraining effect of the seatbelts and airbags. In combination, injuries to the driver and passengers can be drastically reduced. Pre-Safe is based on a link-up with the ABS system, brake assist and ESP, whose sensors identify dangerous driving manoeuvres. Pre-Safe uses the data from these sensors to optimise occupant protection before a collision.

Mercedes-Benz says that the new M-Class, due for launch in the autumn, sets the pace for other off-roaders to follow in terms of safety with the introduction of Pre-Safe to the vehicle segment. In addition, the model’s occupant protection system is underpinned by a self-supporting body structure with large deformation zones in the front and rear ends and a wealth of top-class state-of-the-art technology fitted as standard. This includes adaptive two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags and windowbags, as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats. In the event of a rear-end collision, the newly-developed Neck-Pro crash-responsive head restraints provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger. The head restraints instantly slide forwards by 44mm and upwards by 30mm. This has the effect of cushioning the front passengers’ heads earlier, which reduces the risk of whiplash. The R-Class, which will arrive in the UK in spring 2006, combines the features of a sporty saloon, estate, MPV and sports utility vehicle, in a new trendsetting concept known as Grand Sports Tourer.

The model, which features permanent all-wheel drive, also offers an electronically controlled 4ETS traction system and ESP, which team up to offer “peerless driving safety”, says the manufacturer. Adaptive front airbags and front sidebags as well as windowbags can all be found on the standard specification list of the new R-Class, and all passengers benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Neck-Pro, a further Mercedes first for improving standards of occupant safety, is also optionally available in the R-Class. In UK showrooms from winter 2005 will be the new B-Class Compact Sports Tourer, billed as a touring, family and recreational vehicle. The B-Class, like the recently revised A-Class, features a sandwich concept developed by Mercedes-Benz, which sees the engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell. As well as providing additional internal space, Mercedes-Benz says the concept provides added protection in the event of a crash and is the centrepiece of the safety concept in the two models.

During a severe frontal impact, the drive unit is not moved backwards towards the interior, but slides downwards along the likewise inclined pedal floor panel. Moreover, the sandwich concept has significant advantages in the event of a lateral collision because the occupants are seated approximately 200mm higher – and, therefore, above the impact zone. The sandwich concept was first introduced in the A-Class in 1998 and, says a Mercedes-Benz spokesman: “It has played a central role in reducing the severity of passenger injury in frontal collisions to well below the average values normally seen in this vehicle class.” The B-Class will feature improved ESP technology, which includes a “steer control” function. This operates in tandem with the electromechanical power steering system, providing the appropriate servo assistance in critical handling situations to help the driver stabilise the vehicle. When braking on road surfaces offering less grip on one side than the other, the new, additional ESP function also helps with steering corrections and provides the driver with better road contact. Meanwhile, the second generation of the A-Class, which went on sale in February, features a newly-developed seatbelt and airbag system. Features include adaptive two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head/thorax side airbags in place of the previous model’s sidebags.

Also, the more extensive use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel alloys combine with high-strength bonded joints and additional support sections within the fabric of the bodywork to assist in keeping the vehicle’s occupants well protected in the event of a serious accident. Both the A-Class and B-Class can be ordered with premium-class illumination technology in the form of bi-xenon headlamps. The option also includes a cornering light function. This system is activated automatically at speeds of up to 25 mph when the driver switches on the indicators or turns the steering wheel by a corresponding angle. The cornering light illuminates the area to one side of the vehicle to an angle of up to 65 degrees and a distance of up to 30 metres, lighting up areas of the road that would normally not be visible with conventional headlamp technology. This function gives drivers a better view of the road through slower corners whilst illuminating pedestrians and other road users around the periphery of the cars.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has put forward the use of flashing rear brake lights as a new way to improve driver awareness and reduce rear collision accidents. Research by the manufacturer’s engineers has shown that driver reaction times are shortened by up to 0.2 seconds if a flashing red warning signal is given instead of the conventional brake light during emergency braking. The studies carried out by the team at Mercedes found that at a speed of 80km/h, this reduces the stopping distance by approximately 4.40 metres and at 100km/h by around 5.50 metres. The EU licensing authority has recently approved this technology, and it is now being introduced on the S-Class. Mercedes plans to add the new brake technology to its CL-Class Coupes in the near future.

Nissan
Nissan, which has one of the UK’s largest line-up of 4x4 vehicles, has swung in to defend the off-roader against accusations from politicians and environmentalists that so-called “Chelsea Tractors” are a “liability”. With London Mayor Ken Livingstone and some Liberal Democrat MPs among those calling for the demise of the 4x4, Nissan has put forward a robust defence on a number of grounds, including safety. Against the charge that 4x4s are fundamentally unstable Nissan argues that the reality is: “Sport utility vehicles are taller than typical saloons or estates and as a result have a higher centre of gravity. However, sophisticated traction and stability systems such as ESP – part of the standard all-mode electronic 4x4 system on the new Pathfinder – keep the vehicle under control, no matter how tricky the conditions.” And against the charge that pedestrians are more likely to be seriously injured when hit by an SUV, Nissan says the reality is that: “In a pedestrian/car impact, it is fairly obvious that the pedestrian is going to come off worse. However careful design by Nissan engineers has ensured that its SUVs are at least as pedestrian-friendly as its conventional cars.”

“Careful design has ensured that Nissan SUVs are at least as pedestrian-friendly as its conventional cars”

The manufacturer adds: “The Nissan X-Trail has a two-star Euro NCAP rating for pedestrian safety. The BMW 5-Series is only a one-star car. The same applies to the latest generation of superminis: the Renault Modus, Fiat Panda and Hyundai Getz are all one-star cars when it comes to pedestrian safety. Nissan is still awaiting Euro NCAP results for Pathfinder.” However, US research suggests that pedestrians are 27 times more likely to be killed when hit by an SUV than by another vehicle. But, says Nissan, such research is not true. A spokesman says: “The figure was mentioned in a US report published seven years ago, but related to side impact collisions involving commercial vehicles, a group which in America includes SUVs. European SUVs, as well as being smaller than their American counterparts, incorporate sophisticated side impact protection.”

Meanwhile, amid complaints that SUV drivers think they “own the road”, the manufacturer hit back, saying: “The high ‘command’ driving position of the SUV is one of its safety features, giving drivers a better view of the road and its environment. Rather than owning the road, the SUV driver simply sees more of it – and gets advance notice of any problem ahead.” Sales of the Pathfinder started in the spring and being nowhere near as tall as a typical SUV, it has a lower centre of gravity and so handles like a road car, but seats up to seven people. Lining up against the likes of the Land Rover Discovery 3, the seven-model range features the latest version of Nissan’s all-mode electronic four-wheel drive and traction control. As well as incorporating ESP and traction control, the new system in Pathfinder has added dexterity thanks to a low ratio mode for added grip and manoeuvrability in mud or snow. With grip and stability constantly being monitored electronically, it’s a fit-and-forget system that gets drivers out of trouble before they know they are in it.

Pathfinder was the third new Nissan 4x4 in almost as many months, following on from the two other new all-wheel drive models – Murano and Patrol. The trio have been launched as the Japanese marque aims to propel itself to third place in the UK 4x4 market by the end of 2005. Nissan’s 4x4 sales target for the year is 24,500, a figure that includes 1,000 Muranos, 2,650 Pathfinders and 750 Patrols, with the X-Trail, Pickup and Terrano accounting for the rest. And, says Nissan, that’s just the beginning. Within two years, the company is aiming to have the widest 4x4 range of any European manufacturer following the launch of a new crossover model based on the Qashqai concept shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Production of the new model will start at Nissan’s Sunderland plant at the end of 2006.

Peugeot
Peugeot says it has reinvented small car safety standards after gaining unprecedented supermini success in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP. The all-new 1007, which goes on sale this summer, achieved a five-star Euro NCAP occupant protection rating – the highest Euro NCAP score ever for a supermini – as the model became the first in the segment to breach the 36-point barrier.

“Peugeot's all-new 1007 became the first in the supermini segment to breach the 36-point barrier”

The revolutionary design of the Peugeot 1007 – the first supermini in the world with sliding electric doors – gives users, says the French manufacturer, unparalleled accessibility and modularity, and also provides class-leading all round protection for its occupants. A spokesman says: “The unique design of the structure and the fitment of a single electric sliding door on each side of the vehicle creates a structural barrier, providing protection in both a front and side impact. Unlike a conventional door, the electric sliding door provides a structural brace positively located in the door aperture. The structure of the 1007 has been designed to resist the severest of impacts but the protection provided does not stop there. On all models, the standard safety equipment consists of seven airbags, one of which is mounted on the steering column, anti-submarining seats, pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters and, for child protection, ISOFIX fixtures that comply with the new three-point fixing standards.”

The spokesman adds: “1007 has written a new chapter in the design of small family cars with its unique front electric sliding doors, class-leading modularity and flexibility and now has the added benefit of receiving the highest-ever Euro NCAP occupant protection rating and score.” Meanwhile, Peugeot’s replacement for the 106, the 107, will also enter UK showrooms this summer as it becomes the marque’s entry level car in the small car B segment.

Developed and built as part of a joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation, the 107 is being manufactured alongside its two “sister cars” – the Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1. To ensure the optimum safety of its passengers, the 107 relies on its structure for high-speed impact protection. Each passenger seat can accommodate a child seat, while the 50/50 split rear bench seat is equipped on both sides with ISOFIX fixtures incorporating three anchorage points for the installation of an ISOFIX child seat. This overall design, says Peugeot, places the 107 in the best possible position to satisfy Euro NCAP criteria for the protection of occupants. The company says that in the design of the front of the vehicle and the layout of the 107’s different mechanical components, careful attention has been paid to the consequences of a collision with a pedestrian. The spokesman adds: “Thanks to a special impact beam in front of the bumper and a bonnet that creates the maximum possible distance between it and mechanical components underneath, pedestrian protection is maximised.”

Renault
The French manufacturer’s safety focus is long-established and the Renault Laguna was the first car in the world to achieve a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2001. This year, the latest version of the Laguna has gone on sale and to consolidate its benchmark position in the upper medium segment, new Laguna boasts all the features of its predecessor, but also provides improved restraint systems, road holding and braking, with even finer calibration of is electronic chassis systems, ABS and ESP. Standard safety features include ABS with EBD, anti-whiplash head restraints, brake assist, driver and f ront passenger two-stage auto adaptive airbags, front lateral airbags, front passenger airbag deactivation, front/rear curtain airbags, driver’s double seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable seatbelts and pretensioners (front and rear outer seats and three-point rear seatbelts) and ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the rear outer seats.

“The Renault Laguna was the first car in the world to achieve a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2001”

A “Safety Pack”, available on Expression, Extreme and Dynamique as a £350 option, includes rear lateral airbags and a tyre pressure monitor. New Laguna is also equipped with the third-generation Renault system for restraint and protection (SRP) which notably includes eight airbags. Developments include the adoption of an audible warning if the passenger seatbelt is not fastened, airbags that cater for a wider range of impact configurations, and new-generation head restraints with integral adjustment for the front seats. These feature support runners, which now slide within the head restraint itself rather than in the upper part of the backrest. They improve the posture of the back and provide better support for the head. In the area of child safety, the rear side seats can be fitted with a convertible child head restraint. In the closed position, this looks the same as a standard adult head restraint. When it is opened, it flips lower to form a protective cocoon around the head of a child seated on a booster. New Laguna has an ESP with understeer control that now takes account of the elasto-kinematics of the suspension and wear in the tyres. A new-generation ABS/ESP unit also ensures faster reaction of the ESP. New Laguna thus enjoys better control and exhibits faster times through obstacle-avoidance tests. The ASR traction control function complements the ESP when starting from rest or accelerating in conditions of poor adhesion or on gradients up to 15%.

By comparison with the previous version, adaptive-range xenon headlamps provide improved lighting. The headlamps are equipped with a “lifting dipped beam” function to improve light output. In addition, the beam height is constantly controlled, both statically and dynamically, to take account of the car’s pitch attitude. In urban driving and at low speeds, the beam adapts itself by angling downwards. It does not dazzle other road users. With the adoption of elliptical lenses, the xenon-type dipped beam units gain in size, output and consistency.

“The Rolls-Royce Phantom's passenger airbag deploys without the need for the leather trim to tear”

Through the innovative use of plastic materials, the engineers were able to solve this problem while still retaining the highest standards of quality and design. The Grand Innovation Award is the most prestigious of all the SPE’s awards, with the winners of each specific category going forward for an overall “top” award. The engineers working on the Rolls-Royce project were also presented with the SPE’s Automotive Division Grand Award. This award is granted annually in recognition of innovative developments in the processing and use of plastics in the automobile category.

Saab
Saab is helping drivers stay focused on the road with the development of a unique safety system that monitors eye and head movements, and sounds a warning buzzer if the driver’s attention strays long enough to risk causing an accident.

“The Folksam report is further independent confirmation of the effectiveness of Saab's long-term work with car safety”

The Swedish company is basing its pioneering system on what the driver actually does behind the wheel, instead of what they should be doing. At 55 mph, a car travels 81 ft per second, so the consequences of attention lapses, no matter how innocent or brief, can be extremely serious. Two miniature cameras with infra-red lenses have been installed in a test car to monitor driver’s eye and head movement. As soon as the driver’s gaze moves away from what Saab calls the “primary attention zone” – the central part of the windscreen in front of the driver – a timer starts counting.

If the driver’s eyes and head do not return to the “straight ahead” position within about two seconds, a buzzer will sound. And, if there is still no response, a brake pulse will be delivered through the car’s ESP system. The system is said to be sophisticated enough to detect when the driver is looking in the rear-view mirror or turning a corner – and will allow more time to elapse before activating the buzzer. The software is also speed-sensitive, so it can distinguish the different conditions that take place when driving in the city driving or on faster highways. Infra-red imaging was chosen by Saab engineers as it gives a clear reproduction independent of the light conditions. In tests, two cameras have been fitted to a 9-3 Sport saloon car, one at the base of the driver’s A-pillar and the other in the centre of the fascia. However, in commercial production, Saab says the mini-lens cameras would be hidden behind the main fascia panelling.

Arne Nåbo, Saab’s ergonomics chief, says: “There’s no doubt increasing traffic densities and the growth of in-car ‘infotainment’ systems are putting an increasing workload on the driver. “In everyday driving, we know people do take their eyes off the road quite a lot and we are now developing a means of helping drivers to help themselves.” Saab says that apart from its primary driving safety function, there are further potential applications for the technology, such as:

• Tiredness warnings Eyelid, as well as eye movement, can be monitored, allowing the onset of drowsiness to be detected by the frequency and duration of the driver’s eyes shutting
• Automatic in-car settings All infra-red facial images are unique and it would be possible for the “face-print” of all individuals using a particular car to be memorised. Adjustments could be made automatically to all seat, steering wheel and mirror settings once the driver is in position. It could include details such as radio pre-sets, default temperature and airflow distribution settings
• “Smart” airbag deployment In the event of a heavy collision, the speed of the airbag inflation could be fine-tuned to take account of the driver’s head position and closeness to the steering wheel at the moment of impact

Mr Nåbo says: “The system is functioning extremely well in our testing and there is no problem with the hardware, which is reliable and relatively inexpensive. We are now concentrating on fine tuning the timing and nature of the final warning alarm.” Although no decision has been made about putting the system into production, Saab says that testing and research work has already demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness.

One day, says the company, this technology may be as commonplace in cars as cruise control or automatic air conditioning.

“Subarus are proving their worth in some of the most demanding crash tests in the world”

Commenting on the Outback’s award, Subaru (UK)’s managing director Peter Kinnaird, says: “We are delighted that the rigorous and painstaking work carried out by Subaru’s engineers is bearing fruit. “Subarus have always enjoyed an excellent reputation for active safety thanks to their symmetrical all-wheel drive system and low-centre-of-gravity ‘boxer’ engines. “Now,” Mr Kinnaird continues, “our models are proving their worth in some of the most demanding crash tests in the world.”

Toyota
The all-new Toyota Aygo goes on sale this summer as one of a trio of small cars developed in a partnership project with PSA Peugeot Citroën. The Japanese marque has seen its models perform well in recent Euro NCAP crash tests and the company is aiming to achieve the highest score in the A segment in official testing for impact protection.

The Aygo features Toyota’s minimal intrusion cabin system (MICS), a safety structure that reduces the risk of serious injury in an impact. This system also features in the Avensis and Corolla Verso models, both of which achieved the top five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. Aygo features comprehensive passive safety provisions with driver and front passenger airbags fitted as standard, with additional side airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors standard on T3 and Sport models.

The model is also equipped as standard with a seatbelt warning system with buzzer, a rare feature in A segment cars. Aygo is also aiming for the best pedestrian impact protection in its class, too. Design features to help achieve this include an energy-absorbing structure in the front bumper, which deforms to channel impact forces and reduce leg injuries to a minimum. Braking performance benefits from latest generation ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, fitted as standard to all Aygo models. In addition, the company claims the Aygo’s headlights are also said to provide one of the best illumination ranges in the segment.

Vauxhall
Safety has become a key criteria for most modern car buyers, with independent crash tests such as Euro NCAP raising the awareness of the unarguable benefits of modern impact protection systems. Featuring the same technology as the five-door Vauxhall Astra – which scored a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection – the new three-door Astra Sport Hatch comes with a comprehensive array of both passive and active safety systems. The key to the Sport Hatch’s occupant protection is its extremely strong bodyshell. It shares the torsional rigidity of the five-door model, 15% better than the previous generation Astra. Extensive testing has also proved the safety of Vauxhall’s unique panoramic windscreen option, which has no adverse effects on the Sport Hatch’s torsional rigidity or occupant protection. Cars fitted with the panoramic windscreen benefit from some additional reinforcement in the rear roof area, but otherwise no other modifications have been necessary.

“Extensive testing has proved the safety of Vauxhall's unique panoramic windscreen option”

Components most likely to be damaged in low-speed accidents have also been made easier to remove and cheaper to fix, reducing both repair and insurance costs. With insurance costs becoming more of an issue for many drivers, the Sport Hatch has benefited from Vauxhall’s determined effort to bring down repair expenses for minor accidents. Under the bonnet, the more expensive components have been put deeper inside the engine compartment. Lights have been put higher on the body to reduce the risk of breakage in low-speed crashes, while multi-component panels at the front and rear allow single parts to be replaced or repaired. As a result, the insurance groupings of the five-door model have been retained for Sport Hatch, starting at 5E for the 1.4 SXi.

The Sport Hatch’s state-of-the-art protection is designed to ensure the best possible safety for all the car’s occupants in the event of a crash. The Sport Hatch features large-volume front airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, plus side airbags, to protect the hip and chest areas, and curtain airbags to shield against head injury. Front-seat occupants also have the option of active head restraints, which dramatically reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. Vauxhall’s pedal release system releases the brake and clutch pedals during an impact to reduce the risk of a driver’s feet being trapped in an accident. Occupants in the front and outer rear two seats also have the protection of pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters. Impact sensors are used to assess the force and direction of any crash, a central control unit then decides which restraint and protection systems to activate according to the type and the severity of the accident.

This helps to reduce repair costs – airbags will not deploy unless they will be of benefit. In addition, rear seat mountings for an ISOFIX child seat come as standard on all versions of the Sport Hatch. After a crash and airbag deployment the Astra’s hazard lights will automatically flash to warn other road users – and the central locking system will unlock to allow the doors to be opened from outside.