| Safety first |
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Alfa Romeo
The package of comprehensive safety equipment includes the fitment of front, side and window airbags as standard across the range. The new Alfa 156 and Sportwagon also feature some of the most sophisticated electronic systems for vehicle braking, traction control and dynamic stability available today. As well as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and ASR traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is fitted as standard across the range on all 156 versions, except GTA. VDC applies braking to the appropriate wheels and regulates the engine's torque, automatically opening and closing the throttle valve, to keep the vehicle stable even if the driver swerves violently or enters a bend too fast. If the system’s sensors, which are also part of the ABS system, detect that the car is cornering too fast and is in danger of sliding, they close the throttle valve – even if the car is still accelerating. But if the wheels start to lose grip, VDC brings the car back into line by applying the appropriate brakes on the individual wheels concerned. Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) also provides dynamic safety. If the driver changes down abruptly in conditions of poor grip, the MSR system activates, restoring torque to the engine to prevent a slide caused by locking wheels. The new Alfa 156 and Sportwagon range also has emergency brake assistance, known as Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA), which helps the driver during “panic” braking, guaranteeing maximum deceleration, regardless of the force exerted on the pedal. In addition, to optimise visibility in all driving conditions, Veloce and Lusso-trim versions of the 156 can also be fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights with automatic alignment correction, which provide a more intense light and greater efficiency than conventional halogen lamps, as well as lasting twice as long. BMW
All models will feature BMW’s brand new four-wheel drive system, xDrive which distributes drive to the axle which most needs it in an instant, improving stability, driving pleasure and safety. Fully variable, the system uses an electrically activated multiple-plate clutch. This means it can respond quicker than more conventional systems. In most circumstances, xDrive is also able to intervene before any serious loss of traction takes place, because it is constantly processing vehicle data from Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) sensors. These measure individual wheel speed, steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rates and give xDrive its “intelligence”, allowing it to pre-empt problems rather than reacting to situations where traction is lost. Thus, on slippery or rough terrain, it feeds power quickly to the wheels with more grip as soon as a wheel threatens to spin and lose traction. As the multiple-plate clutch allows front and rear axles to be completely disconnected, xDrive can also provide 100% drive to the rear axle. xDrive provides infinite and fully variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear axle, the system immediately recognising any need for a change in power distribution and responding extremely quickly, when driving on-road usually before the wheel involved loses its grip. This allows xDrive, for example in a fast bend, to feed exactly the right drive power to the appropriate axle at every point in time, thus efficiently minimising both understeer and oversteer. While xDrive ensures optimum grip by channelling drive forces axle-to-axle, DSC acts on individual wheels only where one starts to slip, cutting power and, if necessary, applying brakes. Therefore, while DSC still functions, “intelligent” xDrive means it is needed less frequently. Citröen
C2, the newest model, is built on the same basic platform as the C3 and C3 Pluriel. The strengthened structure of the C2 incorporates built-in crumple zones and crossbeams manufactured from very high yield-strength steel, mounted on two shock absorbers, at both the front and rear. Further driver protection is offered by the steering column, which retracts over 50mm in the event of an impact, while the doors are reinforced with twin hightensile steel tubes measuring 30mm in diameter. The C2’s high waistline and reinforced windscreen pillars create an added layer of protection. The C2 is fitted with driver, passenger and front lateral airbags as standard, with side “curtain” airbags also available as part of a “safety pack”, which also includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The front seats come with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters, while Isofix child seat anchorage points are fitted in the rear. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) is standard on the range-topping VTR and an option on most other models. VTR braking benefits further from the fitting of ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear. And, in the event of rapid deceleration or an impact, the C2’s hazard warning lights switch on automatically to warn drivers behind. Meanwhile, the entire C3 range is now equipped with ABS with EBD and EBA as standard, adding to the already high safety levels that include four airbags. Fiat
Driver and passenger airbags are standard equipment across the range, but the new Punto can be equipped with up to six airbags with the addition of side airbags as well as two side curtain airbags providing head protection in the case of side impacts. Their operation is controlled by an electronic control unit that evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the car. The front passenger airbag may be deactivated manually via an ignition key switch on the fascia; a dashboard warning light indicates this condition. Although the seatbelt pretensioner remains active, a rear-facing baby seat can therefore be safely fitted. Diesel-engined cars, to compensate for their slight increase in weight, are fitted with a variable load-proportioning valve that distributes the braking effort correctly to the rear axle under all load conditions, and reduces stopping distances. The load proportioning valve is electronic on versions equipped with ABS brakes. The new Punto is equipped with the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today: ABS, complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation system (ASR) to limit wheel slip during acceleration, Motor Schleppmoment Reelung (MSR) to modulate engine torque while changing down, and a sophisticated Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts. Eleganza and HGT Diesels. The system is complemented by an EBD system that governs the braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating. The new Punto can also be equipped, as an option, with ASR traction control, which works at any speed, and prevents the driven wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to available levels of grip. On Puntos without ESP, emergency brake assistance takes the form of Emergency Valve Assistance (EVA); a mechanical system located inside the brake servo. On vehicles fitted with ESP, the function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is known as HBA. Both systems carry out an identical function with equal efficiency. ESP comes to the fore when vehicle stability is at risk. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of an understeering or oversteering slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, whilst simultaneously reducing engine power. Engine power reduction is also carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss. The new Punto also features automatic door locks that activate on all doors as soon as the car reaches 12mph. In addition, Isofix mountings are fitted to the two outer rear seats for the easy and safe installation of child seats. Honda
For 2004, the Civic has been spiced up and changes include significant ride, handling and steering improvements (three-door models) and the range’s state-ofthe- art safety features have been further boosted. Equipment levels see all models in the range now boasting ABS anti-lock brakes (with EBD and brake assist) and twin SRS airbags; additionally all bar the 1.4E entry model and Type-R have air conditioning and front side airbags. Mazda
The new model has “superb dynamic characteristics, steering and braking ensuring safe and predictable driving under normal conditions”. Active safety systems include four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and built in mechanical brake assistance, along with optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control (TCS) for superior vehicle stability and braking performance on slippery roads and in emergency situations. Disc brakes, front and rear, offer superior braking effectiveness, consistency, rigidity and response. A 10-in (255mm) single vacuum booster enhances brake effectiveness and response by ensuring linear increase in deceleration as pedal travel increases. The result is one of the segment’s shortest braking distances, from 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 37m. Mazda3 also features an “intelligent” automatic light system that improves headlight longevity and also helps the driver better adapt to situations where light conditions on the road ahead can suddenly change. The new five-door’s body structure is a product of Mazda’s Advance Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) and features Mazda’s unique Triple-H design, which delivers a safe and strong passenger cell that resists impact deformation and disperses impact energy in all possible crash scenarios. Inside Mazda3’s rigid passenger cell are dual-stage front airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters, standard front side airbags and optional curtain airbags. A collapsible steering column, collapsible brake pedal and energy absorbing pillar and roof side trim materials are claimed to make Mazda3’s passive safety package one of the best in the segment. Although yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, Mazda says that internal testing has indicated that the new Mazda3 will receive a four-star Euro NCAP rating or better. Peugeot
The Bluetooth® hands-free kit option is supplied without a mobile telephone handset, as, says Peugeot, many customers will already have a compatible phone. The hands-free kit is compatible with the latestgeneration phones incorporating this technology, such as the Nokia 6310i, 8910, 8910i, the Siemens S55, and the Sony-Ericsson T68i. With the 1 December introduction by the Government of a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, Peugeot says the offer demonstrates the company’s desire to assist its customers with the evermore stringent regulations governing use of telephones whilst driving, as well as the ability of the marque to position itself as one of the first manufacturers to offer the innovation. The 607 was launched three years ago and, since arriving in showrooms, it has featured the latest safety equipment to protect passengers in the event of impact with: front airbags with a capacity of 60 and 90 litres; pretensioning seatbelts; side airbags and curtain airbags, which deploy in the event of side or three-quarter frontal impact and protect the heads of occupants at the front and rear. With revisions to the 607, those devices are now supplemented by rear side airbags that are activated in conjunction with the “curtain” airbags. Without changing the functionality of the seat backs or the vehicle’s rear capacity, they protect the chests of occupants more effectively. Meanwhile, Peugeot’s newest vehicle is the 307 coupé cabriolet, which is a three-strong model line-up with its main attraction being a two-piece, electrically-folding, rigid roof that folds in 25 seconds at the touch of a button from the driver’s seat. A host of safety features are fitted as standard, including: ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBFD) with brake assist, four airbags and an electronic rollover detection system, which, Peugeot says, “makes the 307CC one of the safest convertible cars on the market”. Subaru
Subaru says the system is up to 50% more effective following a complete upgrade, which includes a change to the pedal lever ratio and master cylinder, which has a reduced diameter and longer stroke. This improves the initial braking force and control of the stroke once the pedal is pressed. In addition, the new fast-reaction servo is attached to the bulkhead by a new technique using a tie rod that virtually eliminates flexing. All models have the latest four-sensor anti-lock braking systems (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and compact new lightweight sensors for greater accuracy and control. Both vehicles are fitted with Subaru’s rally-honed symmetrical all-wheel drive system which feeds full-time power to all four wheels. Once either the front or the rear of the car begins to slide, torque is rapidly fed to the axle with the most grip. In the case of the Outback, the rear axle also has a limited-slip differential, allowing torque to be shared between both rear wheels. Because the “boxer” engine is in-line with the gearbox which is, in turn, in-line with the prop shaft and rear differential, frictional losses are kept to a minimum. In addition, the drive shafts are of equal length for a “pure” division of power. More passive safety is offered by the Vehicle Dynamics Control, which uses sensors in all four wheels to detect slip. It also relies on sensors to register front to rear G-forces, side-to-side G-forces and steering wheel Gsensors to detect sudden swerves called “yaw-rate”. The result of all this data is for the engine power to be reduced and braking applied to whatever wheel can best help the driver escape a collision. Other safety features include standard active front head-restraints, which reduce whiplash injuries during rear-end shunts, brake and clutch pedals that effectively snap away under severe impact thus protecting the driver’s lower limbs, dual-stage front airbags and head and chest-protecting side airbags with curtain airbags standard or optional on many models. In addition, both front seats have quick-reacting, pre-tensioners with load-limiters, while the rear seat offers the extra protection of a centre, three-point seatbelt and two outer Isofix standard locking devices enabling easy fitment of a child safety seat. Vauxhall
Previously the preserve of the executive sector, AFL combines “dynamic” curve lighting when negotiating narrow bends and static “junction” light when at junctions, to give a wider range of vision in the dark. A third safety function of AFL is the highway or motorway light. At motorway speeds and when travelling in a constant straight direction, the headlights will automatically raise themselves so the driver has the perfect long distance view ahead. Simultaneously, the automatic levelling system prevents any dazzling of oncoming traffic. The new estate’s chassis is a modified version of the Interactive Driving System (IDS), a system that first appeared in the new Vectra last year. Sophisticated electronics of the IDS controls the ABS, Cornering Brake Control, a brake assistant, electronic force braking distribution and traction control. In addition the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme features on V6 models and is an option on the remainder of the range. Standard safety equipment on all models includes front and side airbags, curtain airbags front and rear, ABS and active head restraints for the front seats. |
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