Roads are haphazard things. Used by millions every day, it is a place shared by cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians alike. So it’s no wonder that here, safety is a number one issue.
Cars have long been equipped with safety mechanisms for the driver and passengers. Seatbelts, airbags… all these things are designed to keep us safe inside. But, what if you were outside? What about situations where there is a collision, not with another vehicle, but with another person?
As more and more scientific data is collected, it is becoming clear that car design plays a significant part in the severity of pedestrian injury in car accidents. But this isn’t a new idea. Trams in Helsinki for instance, have had a protective shield at the front since the 1970s that prevents pedestrians from getting under the wheels.
Research also shows that most pedestrian fatalities occur due to traumatic brain injury through hard impact of the head against the hood or windshield. This is the fact that Volvo have chosen to take into serious consideration. As a result, Volvo engineers have come up with some truly innovative designs that are also as safe as houses.
The new Volvo V40 range is a line of premium compact hatchbacks. There are 6 different models. Two diesel and two petrols in either the Kinetic, Luxury or R-Design variants. All Volvo V40 vehicles are turbo charged.
At first glance, the Volvo V40 is definitely a stunner. It’s sleek, sporty, edgy and has the option of metallic paint. However, it’s what’s under the exterior that makes it unique.
The Volvo 40 contains a pedestrian airbag under the bonnet. Sensors in the front of the car detect any contact with a pedestrian. This sets off a pyrotechnical charge that releases the bonnet hinges and elevates the bonnet. The inflated airbag’s cushioning effect, along with an increased distance from hard components, is all specifically to lessen the likelihood of fatal head injuries in a vehicle-pedestrian accident.
Other than this main feature, the Volvo V40 also has City Safety auto brake, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, BLIS (which helps drivers detect vehicles in their “blind spot”), WHIPS whiplash protection, LED driving lights, electric power steering and rain sensing wipers.
Volvo have a pretty ambitious goal. They aim to have no one killed in a Volvo after 2020. With the V40 achieving the top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP collision test (the best ever result recorded by the institute), it seems that Volvo is well on its way to achieving this goal! We can’t help but feel a little inspired… Go Volvo!
The premium compact hatchback segment offers the practicalities of down-sizing while still maintaining all the luxuries of a larger car.
The Volvo V40 is a car that does all this and more. It also keeps everyone safe. Inside and out.
Check out the entire Volvo V40 range here.