Electronic Stability Control and Additional Active Safety Systems
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), including Traction Control (TC), is available across the range and offers a high level of active safety. The ESC yaw sensor in the center of the car detects movement around the vertical axis and a sensor on the steering column measures the steering angle being applied. Inputs from these sources are then correlated with the speed of the car. The system is programmed to execute whatever actions will most effectively prevent the loss of control. Depending upon the driving situation, it is possible for braking to be applied via the ESC system to one, two or three wheels at once, or, if necessary, the electronic throttle opening is also reduced.
Other braking functions under ESC control:
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC), is activated when the car is braking while cornering. Brake pressure is individually varied between all four wheels in order to keep the car stable.
- Cornering Torque Control (CTC) prevents the inner wheel from spinning when cornering under acceleration, thereby minimizing understeer.
- Electronic Drag Torque Control (EDC), prevents the wheels from blocking when the throttle is released too quickly or during an abrupt downshift.
- Brake Assist System (BAS) helps the driver apply optimal braking power in emergency braking situations.
- Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) automatically raises braking pressure to compensate for brake fade under repeated applications of heavy braking.
- Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is active when an Opel-approved towing hitch is fitted. TSA counters any vehicle instability that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan by reducing the engine torque and applying brake pressure to selected wheels.
Four-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard equipment together with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) which ensures that optimal braking force is applied at both axles for maximum stability under heavy braking.