Peugeot 407 |
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26th June, 2004 PEUGEOT 407 REACHES FOR THE SAFETY STARS
Peugeot’s newly launched 407 has achieved a 5 star score in the latest round of Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests, announced in Prague yesterday. The new Peugeot 407 achieved a coveted five stars for occupant protection and 4 stars for child protection. The NCAP assessment, which is seen as a significant benchmark for the success of new cars, will undoubtedly help Peugeot return to dominance within the upper-medium segment of the new car market. With its bold, sporting design, Peugeot has given its new range a high-tech specification that provides character, driving pleasure and safety in equal measure. With its dynamically engineered chassis featuring new double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, comprehensive active and passive safety, and an advanced engine line-up that includes refined and powerful petrol engines with new Euro IV diesel technology, the 407 takes its market segment into new territory. The 407 offers outstanding new levels in safety with seven airbags as standard on all models. Additional information: New standards in safety – with up to nine airbags The specification of the chassis, suspension and wheels of the 407 provide excellent dynamic qualities and outstanding passive safety. The innovative structure of the 407 and the restraint systems present in the passenger compartment together offer an outstanding protective shield. At the same time the design ensures maximum comfort for the occupants. Front seat safety The driver is protected in the event of impact by a twin-generator, dual volume ‘SMART IV’ front airbag, the pressure and volume depending on the severity of the impact and the driver’s seat position. The driver can further rely on a steering column that collapses by 80 mm and a standard fitment steering column airbag that significantly enhances protection of the knees and shins in the event of a collision. The front seat passenger similarly benefits from a twin generator, single volume ‘SMART III’ front airbag adapted to the severity of the impact. In the outer part of the front seats, a side airbag protects the chest and abdomen in the event of side impact, while head protection is afforded by full-length curtain airbags. Both driver and front passenger have the benefit of pre-tensioning seatbelts and force limiters that work ‘in tandem’ with the front airbags to guarantee optimum protection. These seatbelts are equipped with a double ‘fasten seatbelt’ audible warning by means of a visual indicator on the instrument panel and a buzzer once the car reaches 9 mph. In the event of rear impact, ‘active front head restraints’ prevent whiplash by keeping the head restraint in close contact with the occupant’s head, thereby helping to reduce whiplash injuries to the neck. Rear seat safety Passengers in the rear outer seats also benefit from the full length curtain airbags for head protection and three-point seatbelts equipped with force limiters. These passengers can optionally benefit from a pack consisting of side airbags coupled with inertia reel pre-tensioning seatbelts. The central rear seat is also fitted with a three-point inertia reel belt. To encourage rear passengers to wear their seatbelts and also to provide a warning should a child become unattached, the number of fastened rear seat belts is counted and displayed on the multifunction screen when the ignition is switched on; any change in status is indicated by a warning light, message and buzzer. Safety for small children Each of the four passenger seats can accommodate a child seat, while both rear outer seats have special fittings for the installation and secure attachment of an Isofix seat. |