6
i
SAFETY
105
AIR BAGS
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 im-
pact detection zones:
- in the case of a serious impact, the air bags are triggered instantly and
protect the occupants of the vehicle
(with the exception of the rear cen-
tre passenger); immediately after
t h e i m p a c t , t h e a i r b a g s d e fl a t e r a p -
idly so that they do not hinder vis-
ibility or the exit of the occupants,
- in the case of a minor or rear impact or in certain roll-over conditions, the
air bags will not be triggered; the
s e a t b e l t a l o n e i s s u f fi c i e n t t o p r o -
vide optimum protection in these
situations.
The air bags do not operate
when the ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only operate
once. If a second impact occurs
(during the same or a subse-
quent accident), the air bag will
not operate. Front air bags
System which protects the head and
chest of the driver and front passenger
in the event of a front impact.
The driver’s air bag is incorporated in
the centre of the steering wheel; the
front passenger’s air bag is incorporat-
ed in the fascia above the glove box.
Activation
The air bags are triggered simultane-
ously, unless the passenger’s front air
bag is disarmed, in the event of a seri-
ous 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.
T h e f r o n t a i r b a g i n fl a t e s b e t w e e n t h e
front occupant of the vehicle and the
fascia to cushion his forward move-
ment.
Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone.
B. Side impact zone.
Triggering of the air bag(s) is ac-
companied by a slight emission
of harmless smoke and a noise,
due to the activation of the pyro-
technic cartridge incorporated in
the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but
sensitive individuals may expe-
rience slight irritation.
The noise of the detonation may
result in a slight loss of hearing
for a short time.
