SAFETY
Impact detection zones
AIRBAGS
Front airbags
System which protects the head and
chest of the driver and front passenger
in the event of a front impact.
The driver's airbag is fitted in the centre
of the steering wheel; the front passen-
ger's airbag is fitted in the dashboard
above the glove box.
System designed to maximise the safety
of the occupants (with the exception of
the rear centre passenger) in the event
of violent collisions. It supplements the
action of the force-limiting seat belts.
If a collision occurs, the electronic de-
tectors record and analyse the front and
side impacts sustained in the impact
detection zones:
-
in the case of a serious impact, the
airbags are deployed instantly and
protect the occupants of the vehicle
(with the exception of the rear centre
passenger); immediately after the
impact, the airbags deflate rapidly
so that they do not hinder visibility
or the exit of the occupants,
A. Front impact zone.
B. Side impact zone.
-
in the case of a minor or rear impact
or in certain roll-over conditions, the
airbags will not be deployed; the
seat belt alone is sufficient to pro-
vide optimum protection in these
situations.
Deployment of the airbag(s) is ac-
i
Operation
companied by a slight emission of
harmless smoke and a noise, due to
the activation of the pyrotechnic car-
tridge incorporated in the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but sen-
sitive individuals may experience
slight irritation.
The noise of the detonation may
result in a slight loss of hearing for
a short time.
The airbags are deployed simultane-
ously, unless the passenger's front
airbag is deactivated, in the event of a
serious front impact applied to all or part
of the front impact zone A, in the lon-
gitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a
horizontal plane and directed from the
front to the rear of the vehicle.
The front airbag inflates between the
front occupant of the vehicle and the
dashboard to cushion their forward
movement.
The airbags do not operate when
!
the ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only operate
once. If a second impact occurs (dur-
ing the same or a subsequent acci-
dent), the airbag will not operate.
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English