Airbags

The airbags are designed to increase occupant protection (except for the rear centre seat passenger) in the event of a severe impact. They complement the seat belts, which are fitted with force limiters.

During a collision, electronic sensors record and analyse frontal and side impacts in the impact detection zones:

• in the event of a severe impact, the airbags inflate immediately to protect the driver and passengers (except the person seated in the rear centre seat); immediately after the impact, the airbag deflates so as not to obstruct visibility and to facilitate any evacuation,
• in the event of a minor impact, a rear impact or, under certain conditions, a rollover, the airbags will not deploy, as the seat belts provide optimum protection.

The airbags only operate when the ignition is switched on.

The airbag system operates only once. In the event of a further collision (during the same accident or a different one), the airbag will not deploy.

Impact detection zones

1. 1
   Frontal impact zone.
2. 2
   Side impact zone.

Firing of the airbag pyrotechnic charge is accompanied by an explosion noise and the release of a small amount of harmless smoke. The smoke is non-toxic, but it may irritate people with allergies.

The explosion noise may temporarily impair hearing.