Tech Briefs
Dual-stage airbags

A new safety system in the new Volvo V70 and V70 XC improves the inter- play between safety belt and airbag. In what Volvo calls its Dual-Stage Airbag feature, a sensor registers the severity of an impact and adapts the airbag inflation accordingly while simultaneously coordinating it with the safety belt. If impact is less severe — but still enough to cause potential injury — the dual-stage airbag inflates to 70% of its capacity. If the impact is less severe, the airbag inflates at full capacity.

Volvo's new dual-stage-airbag system.

At the same time, the safety belt makes a contribution. At the instant of impact, the tensioner eliminates all slack in the belt. The belt then gives a little in order to restrain the occupant gently before the airbag takes over to complete the safety sequence.

Jean L. Broge