Equipment on new European models (2): PSA, Renault, GM, Ford, and Volvo

Volvo V40 features world's first pedestrian protection airbag

2012/10/24

Summary

 The following report summarizes the availability of major equipment used in new passenger cars that PSA, Renault, GM, Ford, and Volvo launched in Europe in and after the summer of 2011. Eight models are reported - one each by Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and Volvo, and two by Ford (including a pickup truck).

 In driving stability equipment, Torque vectoring is becoming increasingly available; it applies a brake to the inside wheels when cornering and transmits higher torque to the outside wheels in order to minimize understeer. A start/stop system, improving fuel efficiency, is available to most of the brands.

 In visibility systems, High Beam assist, which automatically adjusts headlights from high-beam to dipped beam, is becoming increasingly available. Among the collision safety systems increasing in availability is the driver's knee airbag. In addition, in Europe, the improvement of pedestrian protection is required: pedestrian protection is emphasized in the collision safety test of Euro NCAP. Volvo has featured the world's first pedestrian airbag in its compact hatchback - the V40.

 Within driving and parking assist systems, more models have adopted active safety systems, including a lane departure warning system and a collision mitigation brake system. In this field, Volvo V40 also features a pedestrian detection system with an automatic brake to protect pedestrians.

 Equipment addressing greater comfort and convenience that have been used on more models include Automatic dual-zone air conditioning, which automatically controls the climate separately for the driver seat and the passenger seat. In addition, the integrative functions of the in-vehicle infortainment system and a smart phone are becoming more available.

Citroen DS5
Citroen's premium model: DS5

Volvo V40
Volvo V40 that features world's first pedestrian airbag
((C) Response)


Related reports:
Equipment on new European models (1): Daimler, BMW, and Volkswagen (October 2012)
Fetures on new US models (June 2012)
Features on new Japanese models (March 2012)
Features on new Hyndai/Kia vehicles (September 2012)

Advanced systems introduced by PSA, Renault, GM, Ford, and Volvo

(Models launched in Europe in and after the summer of 2011)
Driving stability
(including
fuel efficiency)
Torque vectoring Volvo V40, Ford B-Max
Start/stop system Renault Clio, Opel Mokka, Chevrolet Aveo,
Ford B-Max, Volvo V40
Visibility High beam assist Citroen DS5, Opel Mokka, Volvo V40
Collision safety Driver's knee airbag Ford Ranger, Ford B-Max, Volvo V40
Pedestrian airbag technology Volvo V40
Driving/parking
assist
Lane departure warning system Citroen DS5, Opel Mokka, Volvo V40
Collision mitigation brake system Ford B-Max, Volvo V40
Pedestrian detection system (with full automatic brake) Volvo V40
Comfort &
convenience
Automatic dual-zone air conditioning Peugeot 208, Citroen DS5, Opel Mokka,
Ford Ranger, Volvo V40
Integration of infortainment system
and smart phone
Chevrolet Aveo, Ford B-Max, Volvo V40
This report is for paid members only. Remaining 5 chapters remaining.
Free membership registration allows you to read the rest of the article for a limited time.