CITROËN AUSTRALIA

THE CITROËN C5: Global safety Citroën’s approach to global safety involves taking all steps necessary to avoid accidents, notably by giving the driver a greater sense of responsibility and ensuring that he does not have the impression that the car is “fully automated”.

Iif, despite all precautions, an accident does occur, occupants are well protected by a reinforced passenger compartment and a range of complementary appliances and equipment.

Citroën’s approach to global safety involves taking all steps necessary to avoid accidents, notably by giving the driver a greater sense of responsibility and ensuring that he does not have the impression that the car is “fully automated”. And if, despite all precautions, an accident does occur, occupants are well protected by a reinforced passenger compartment and a range of complementary appliances and equipment.

Customers expect high standards of safety, and they are right to do so. Safety is an entitlement, not a privilege. With the C5, Citroën remains true to its values. The C5 sets particularly high safety standards because safety was addressed as a whole, from onboard well-being, a key area of focus, to impact resistance, passenger protection and particularly surefooted handling. In all these areas, systematic use has been made of the latest technology in order to ensure a superlative level of service, providing the driver with information while letting him concentrate on his driving.

The Third generation Hydractive suspension keeps a reassuringly firm grip on the road, controlling vehicle movement at all speeds and on all types of road surface, regardless of the load or number of passengers. This new “auto-adaptive” suspension analyses the state of the road and the current driving conditions to make sure that the vehicle is maintained in the ideal position. This real-time adjustment of the vehicle’s attitude optimizes control of its movements for excellent roadholding. The height of the vehicle varies automatically according to speed.

For example, the centre of gravity can be lowered by 15 mm at the front and 11 mm at the rear for greater stability. Moreover, with its long wheelbase and wide track (1,530 mm at the front and 1,495 mm at the rear), the C5 naturally enjoys exceptional stability.

The C5 has a system of power brakes comprising four discs (ventilated at the front), four-sensor ABS, and electronic distribution for braking stability. Emergency braking assistance is also provided. If the brake pedal is pressed suddenly – signaling an emergency situation – the main piston activates a second piston that applies maximum pressure to the braking system. This compensates for the drivers’ reluctance to brake hard from the outset and considerably shortens the braking distance.

To improve safety still further, the C5 is fitted with an ASR acceleration slip reduction system. This system detects if one or more of the wheels start to slip and applies the brakes to restore grip.

Onboard well-being is ensured by the silent running of the C5, the natural and logical layout of the controls, the seat design, the comfortable driving position (steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, height-adjustable driver’s seat, headrests adjustable for height and rake), the semi-raised position offering a better view of the road and the large glazed areas.

Equipment enabling the driver to adopt a more responsible attitude to driving and to give full attention to the road

With its multiplexed network, the Citroën C5 is able to offer a wide range of equipment to optimise safety. The air conditioning system has a sun sensor and separate right/left temperature control to ensure rapid renewal of air in the cabin and a constant temperature. An onboard computer connected to a multi-function screen displays messages for the driver and activated alarms.

The driver can also programme his own maximum speed, beyond which a warning will sound. This favours more responsible driving. Sensors are fitted in the valve of each tyre to detect low tyre pressure and warn the driver through an alarm and an on-screen message.

Other functions are provided to help the driver concentrate on the road, for example, the automatic windscreen wipers, black panel function for night driving, automatic operation of lights (thanks to two light sensors) xenon lamps, electronic parking assistance, defrosting, anti-glare external aspherical rearview mirrors indexed to the reverse gear, outside temperature indicator and child safety indicator displayed either on the instrument panel or on the central display. All these functions promote more responsible driving and enable the driver to keep his attention on the road.

The C5 was designed using a completely new platform. This made it possible to reach even higher levels of safety and to satisfy the most stringent tests, in particular those of EuroNcap. At both front and rear, the vehicle is fitted with two absorbers and a beam made of very high yield strength steel. These help to absorb energy in the event of impact at high or low speed.

In the centre, the structure is reinforced by a cross member running across the roof and resting on the middle pillars. This creates a ring of steel around the vehicle, to optimise safety in the event of side impact or rollover. Further protection is provided by the door beams and, as on the Xsara and Picasso, an energy-absorbing side impact protection system in the front door panels.

The Citroën C5 is fitted as standard with six airbags to protect the driver and front and rear passengers. The fuel supply is automatically cut off if one of the airbags is activated.

The driver and passenger airbags have a capacity of 60 litres and 120 litres respectively. They have two levels of activation, depending on the force of the impact. The passenger airbag can be deactivated using a special key. Two side airbags built into the front seats protect the thorax, while two curtain airbags protect the heads of the occupants at front and rear. This ensures maximum protection in the event of a side impact.

The front seatbelts are height-adjustable. They are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters to reduce pressure on the thorax in the event of impact and to further enhance the level of protection. The three rear seatbelts are all 3-point, while the side belts have force limiters and grabbers. Headrests are provided at front and rear.

The C5 is designed to minimise the consequences of striking a pedestrian. Particular care was taken to design a non-aggressive front end.

The C5 is well protected against theft and break-ins. It is fitted with the new-generation coded engine immobiliser, which pairs the transponder and engine computer. The code transmitted by the transponder can be read only by the computer controlling the vehicle’s engine.

The C5 is equipped with central locking of the doors and tailgate and a high-frequency remote control unit associated with a transponder. With this remote control unit, the driver no longer has to aim at the receiver to lock or unlock the vehicle. Moreover, if the driver accidentally unlocks the vehicle, it locks again automatically 30 seconds after it has been unlocked if none of the doors has been opened.

The boot locks automatically as soon as the vehicle starts moving, unlocking again as soon as one of the doors is opened or if the plip is used when the vehicle comes to a halt.

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