!NEW! Hot and Cold: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer in Climatic Test Chamber

Toughness test: Compact station wagon defies temperatures from -40 to +60 C°

60 degrees Celsius in the winter: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer has to demonstrate that it can withstand extreme heat in the climatic chamber. 

Scorching hot desert sand…” – Opel‘s International Technical Development Center (ITDC) reproduces conditions comparable to the Sahara desert. In Rüsselsheim in the middle of winter, the mercury is at 60 degrees Celsius and the sweat is pouring. In the middle of it all, the new Astra Sports Tourer defies the adverse conditions. Calmly and smoothly, it bounces up and down on the heat test bench while the earsplitting racket from the ventilation system fills the 60 square meter room.

One day later, same place, same time, but the observer is confronted with a completely different scenario: the Opel Astra Sports Tourer is all wrapped up in a white outfit that is covered with a thin layer of ice. The compact station wagon’s spacious interior is not visible from the outside, as the windows are completely frozen over. The temperature is -40 degrees, and without warm winter clothing no one can last in here. “We want to see how the materials in the Sports Tourer react to extreme conditions. We also check if its appearance changes and if extreme heat or cold have an effect on, for example, gap width,” explains Otto Hemmelmann, Lead Engineer Test Methods. With his interdisciplinary team from various specialist areas, he is responsible for this foray into scorching and freezing conditions.

Seal of approval: First extreme heat followed by icy condition on the cold test bench the next day – the New Opel Astra Sports Tourer shows that it is perfectly suited for all climatic conditions.

Daily temperature extremes for higher customer satisfaction

The heat and cold test bench – also called thermal cycling testing – is part of the compulsory program in Opel vehicle development, just like the acoustic and electronic lab tests. “After all, our customers around the world drive the Astra in all different climate zones,” says Hemmelmann. In general, every new vehicles is tested during the development phase, here a completely standard Astra Sports Tourer. This ensures that exactly the materials that are later used in customer vehicles are actually put to the test. During the two-week phase, temperatures change daily. “Sealing, bonding, plastic parts and materials, rubber – all this has to work properly, meaning constant elastic constricting and stretching like a rubber band, without bearing any traces of it,” explains the Chief Engineer.

Even direct sunlight can be simulated in the climatic chamber with the help of special radiators. “If the Sports Tourer is parked outside in the summer, interior temperatures can reach 90 degrees,” says Hemmelmann. With the help of the sun simulation, the team tests the interior materials’ stress tolerance. “But we also test how long the air conditioner has to be on until the temperature is bearable again.” In addition, the so-called four-post test bench moves the Sports Tourer up and down under its wheels. This enables testers to ensure that comfort in the car is not compromised even under extreme conditions and that the interior materials make no irritating noises or smells during driving despite high strain and stress.

Intelligent tailgate and FlexFold rear seat back tested

The Astra Sports Tourer is not specially prepared for the heat/cold test bench. It is fitted with commercial tires and belts secure the compact station wagon on the four-post test bench. Nevertheless, the vehicle is thoroughly checked before the test. Because after the hot/cold treatment, the engineers look at the Sports Tourer through the customer’s eyes and identify differences. “We look at what impression the car makes on us and take measurements to determine if anything has become distorted or misaligned,” says Hemmelmann. The team’s systematic examination puts a special focus on the installed plastic parts such as bumpers and side sills. “The gap width is extremely important in these cases, because of course the components must not be protruding.” Employees from the respective specialist areas also check all functions in the interior. For instance, does the glove compartment open smoothly and easily? Can the FlexFold rear seat back be seamlessly adjusted in all situations? And above all, does the sensor-controlled tailgate also open and close at -40 degrees with a simple kicking motion under the bumper? After all, this practical function makes its premiere in the new Astra Sports Tourer. Only when all components, body and add-on parts are tested and cleared has the Astra Sports Tourer passed the thermal cycling test – and then it is ready for its daily job as a comfortable business or multi-functional family car.

!NEW! Opel Sets Flexibility Standards: 15 Years of the Flex7 Seating System

Road to success: Flex7 launched with first Zafira in January 1999

Market success: Zafira evolves from trendsetter to “lounge on wheels”

Recipe for success: More Flex concepts inspired by Flex7 in other Opel models

Technology that inspires: The Opel Zafira Tourer offers ultra-modern engine technology and maximum versatility with the Flex7 Plus seating system.

In 1999, the Zafira monocab set the standard for fully integrated on-board flexibility with the launch of Opel’s unique Flex7 formula. The sophisticated seating concept began its path to success from the start of Zafira production, and was given detailed enhancements when the next generation model arrived in 2005. Success came quickly. The trendsetting Zafira was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” in its first year of sales. More than 2.2 million first and second generation Zafiras were sold before the Zafira Tourer, the “lounge on wheels”, was introduced in 2011, offering a perfect blend of functionality and comfort.

Opel Zafira – The seven-seat compact van pioneer

Opel Zafira (1999) - First Opel MPV with Flex7

The successful Flex7 formula is essentially the same today as it was back in 1999: maximum on-board flexibility without seat removal. Starting with the first-generation Zafira, the third row of seats could be folded down, individually or together, flush with the luggage compartment floor. To enable an impressive maximum load volume of 1,700 liters, the driver then just had to fold down the seat cushions and backs of the middle row before pushing them up against the first row seatbacks. In just 15 seconds, the Zafira could be transformed from a seven to a two-seater. “We wanted everything to be as easy and effortless as possible,” says Frank Leopold, Engineering Group Manager Innovation, Show Cars & Advanced Packaging, the ‘father’ of the Flex7 concept. “As a typical customer, we imagined a mother holding her child and then having to change the seating configuration.  No competitor was able to offer comparable flexibility. Suddenly even major shopping trips could be a relaxed experience, because you didn’t have to worry about everything fitting in the car.” And thanks to the high seating position and generous seating space, driving the Zafira was just as relaxing.

Flex7 seating system for the Opel Zafira (MY 1999). 

With the arrival of Flex7, the era of having to remove and carry heavy seats around to provide more space was over at Opel – although even today, 15 years later, similar systems are not commonly provided by competitors.

Opel Zafira Family and Opel Zafira Tourer – The successful duo for all needs

For the second generation Zafira in 2005, Opel engineers optimized the handling of the second row seats so they could be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, enabling comfortable seating for adults in the individual outer seats. Then, in 2011, the introduction of Flex7 Plus made the new Zafira Tourer the ultimate master of versatility. While the third row seats could still be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, the second row was completely re-designed. No longer a bench layout, it now consisted of three individual seats which could all be folded down, thus creating an even larger, completely flat floor. The three seats were also designed to slide longitudinally by up to 210 mm independently of each other. With the second row seats folded down, the maximum load volume was now increased to 1,860 liters. “With this flexible interior, the Zafira Tourer is also ideal for business travel, making it much more than a family van,” says Leopold.

First-class traveling in the “lounge on wheels”

Opel Zafira Tourer - Lounge Seating system

The highlight of the Opel Zafira Tourer is still its optional Lounge Seating system, which gives second-row passengers generous seating space comparable to an upper-class sedan. A clever and easy-to-operate folding/rotating mechanism transforms the back of the middle seat into comfortable armrests for passengers in the outer seats, which can slide up to 280 mm backwards – giving a best-in-class value for lots of extra legroom. The seats can also slide 50 mm towards the center of the cabin, a true novelty in the segment enabling generous shoulder space.

Flex series: Recipe for success for other Opel models

Since Flex7’s arrival in 1999, a series of flexible interior concepts has also been integrated in other Opel models. The FlexSpace seating concept, FlexDoors and the FlexRail center console in the Opel Meriva, as well as the FlexFix bicycle carrier and the FlexFold rear seat backrest in the Astra Sports Tourer, all have their roots in the Flex7 system of the first Opel Zafira. “Our goal was to offer innovations that fit each model – be they back-friendly, family-friendly or an upgrade to the vehicle,” says Leopold.

Overview: Opel Flex Innovations

1999	Production and market launch of first Zafira. The new Flex7 seating system sets the standard for the first generation of fully-integrated onboard flexibility.
2003	With its world-first FlexSpace, the Opel Signum offers more room and comfort than ever before. The rear bench seat consists of two individually adjustable single seats giving exceptionally generous legroom. The center element of the rear bench can also be transformed into an armrest or storage console.
2003	The Meriva establishes the small monocab segment. Thanks to the FlexSpace concept, the Meriva can be quickly transformed between five, four, three or two-seater layouts, without removing any seats.
2005	Enhancement of Flex7 system with the second generation Zafira. The second row seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split.
2006	Opel is the first and only automaker to offer the bicycle carrier FlexFix in the new Corsa. It is fully integrated in the rear bumper and can be pulled out like a drawer to transport two bicycles.
2009	A creative idea from Opel engineers and designers, FlexFloor is introduced in the compact class. It allows easy-to-use stowage for a wide variety of cargo, increasing the new Astra’s loading flexibility. The trunk floor is moveable and can be positioned at three levels. When fixed at the lowest level, up to 370 liters of space is available.
2010	The second generation Meriva’s FlexDoors is an innovative rear-hinged rear door system that makes it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating system and Opel’s patented, integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier combine to make the Meriva a real flexibility champion. It is the only vehicle to have received a seal of approval from the Campaign for Healthy Backs (AGR) in recognition of its overall ergonomic concept system features. The Meriva also includes the FlexRail console system.
2010	The Astra Sports Tourer is the first compact wagon outside the premium segment to offer a remote seat-folding function with FlexFold – a system which folds the rear seatbacks at the touch of a button. It is complemented by other smart, upscale features. Space-efficient trunk design enables a load volume from 500 to 1,550 liters.
2011	The new “Master of Versatility” is the Zafira Tourer. Interior highlights include the Flex7 Plus seating system and the optional “Lounge Seating System”.
2013	Opel offers the patented FlexFix bicycle carrier for almost all models from A to Z: Antara, Astra, Corsa, Meriva and Zafira Tourer. The newest members in the FlexFix club are the sub-compact SUV Mokka and the lifestyle ADAM. With the second generation of the FlexFix carrier, the Astra Sports Tourer and Zafira Tourer can carry up to four, and the Mokka up to three bicycles.
2014	An improved FlexRail center console is premiered in the new Meriva. With the same versatility and practicality, it now enables more legroom in the rear.

!NEW! Opel Cascada: Open air elegance from 25,945 Euros

• Glamorous mid-size convertible with premium soft top now available to order
• Extensive standard equipment and many high quality options
• New Direct Injection 1.6 SIDI gasoline Turbo
• Powerful 2.0 liter BiTurbo diesel available soon

The new Opel Cascada is now available to order with prices starting at 25,945 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The nearly 4.70 meter long elegant mid-size class convertible celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. A classic four-seater with an elongated silhouette and sophisticated, high-quality soft top, it will be at dealerships from April, just in time for the first sunny spring days. “Following the compact Mokka SUV and the small lifestyle ADAM, the Cascada is the next highlight in our product offensive. Our new mid-size class convertible boasts open air driving fun in premium quality – from design to its technologies and equipment – all at an attractive price,” says Opel Management Board Member for Strategy Dr. Thomas Sedran.

Already the Cascada Edition variant available from 25,945 euros comes standard with a wide range of equipment and state-of-the-art technologies. One highlight is the taut electric soft top that can be opened at the press of a button and at speeds up to 50 km/h in 17 seconds or also via remote control when the car is at a standstill. Best Opel chassis technology originally developed for the Insignia OPC is featured on the Cascada’s front axle with HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension, guaranteeing driving fun and superb traction. 

The Opel Cascada also offers luggage compartment load volume of 280 liters with the roof open and up to 380 liters when the soft top is closed. It also boasts very comfortable and easy operation features such as the FlexFold system that electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seat back rests. All this makes the Cascada perfectly suitable for everyday use as well as for longer journeys.

Opel Cascada with LED tail lights

Also standard features on all Cascada, light alloy wheels, rear lights in newest generation homogeneous LED technology, a Morrocana wrapped instrument panel and a leather steering wheel add extra glamour and pleasure. The Park Pilot assists during reverse parking with an acoustic warning signal. Reversing Camera is also available.

Reversing Camera

Now you will not miss anything that happens behind the vehicle. When reverse gear is engaged, the rear view camera is activated. They will display the rear bumper as a reference and reflects a current steering angle, so you can even parallel parking calms look ahead.

Additionally a dynamic overlay is projected onto the screen, which displays the required steering movement to parking path. Horizontal lines at one-meter intervals in the projected image, display the exact distance to objects and obstacles.

The entry level powertrain is the 1.4 liter gasoline Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. For a base price of 28,245 euros, the 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo from the completely new engine generation with direct injection is available. It boasts excellent running smoothness and power delivery with maximum torque of 280 Nm with overboost.

For 3,600 euros extra compared to the Edition, the Opel Cascada Innovtion versions offer additional standard equipment such as the exceptional premium soft top with superb acoustic insulation. Superior comfort in the interior is also ensured by electric seat belt presenters, dual zone ECC (Electronic Climate Control) and elegant Morrocana seat upholstery with contrast stitching. The AFL+ Adaptive Forward Lighting system ensures highest safety and visibility with up to ten automatic lighting functions.

Electric Belt Presenter
 

The long doors of the new Opel Cascada make getting in and out very easy - especially for rear passengers. To help you achieve the seat belts in the front seats, it also has the practical Electric Belt Presenter: with telescopic arms, he brings you closer to the seat belts, so you can create them without complicated turn. Are the straps once created, the telescopic arms automatically go back to its original position.

High individualization level with wide range of equipment extras

At market launch ten exterior colors are available, and they can be combined with three roof colors. In addition, wheels are available in ten different designs and sizes from 17 to 20 inches. In the interior, the Cascada offers four elegant equipment and trim options, including two top-quality leather variants. Cascada owners can choose between three optional infotainment and navigation systems that can be combined with Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) and can integrate mobile telephone functions.

Heat Reflecting Leather
 

By sunlight heated leather is often unpleasant. The new Opel Cascada offers you the perfect solution in this regard: leather with antireflection coating, which minimizes high temparature perception even in direct sunlight.

Highest levels of safety and driving fun are ensured by driver assistance, protection and comfort systems such as the adaptive chassis system FlexRide for 980 euros, the second generation Opel Eye - the latest generation Opel Eye front camera (800 euros) with enhanced Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Following Distance Indicator (FDI), Forward Collision Alert (FCA)  and the premium ergonomic AGR certified seat for driver and front passenger (685 euros).

Electric Parking Brake

More comfort - and more space in the cockpit: The electric parking brake saves space in favor of storage and armrest. As a function prevented the Hill Start Assist rolling backwards during hill starts.

Further comfort extras are also optionally available, including the power EasyEntry system, electric seat adjustment and ventilation, heated steering wheel and electrical auxiliary heater that can be activated by remote control.

Electric EasyEntry function 

Another feature that is usually only found in luxury cars, the EasyEntry function of the front seats. Without having to press a button or slider to the front seats move automatically when folding the seatback forward and help passengers access to the rear seats even further.

The Cascada comes with a broad and efficient powertrain line-up. On the gasoline side next to the 1.4 liter Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp, the completely newly constructed 125 kW/170 hp 1.6 liter SIDI Turbo with direct injection is available. On the diesel side the 121 kW/165 hp 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX ensures optimum power delivery and high economy. With six-speed transmission and Start/Stop, it consumes just 5.2 liters per 100 km and emits only 138 g/km CO₂. Just like the 1.6 SIDI Turbo, the 2.0 liter Turbo diesel can also be combined with six-speed automatic transmission. The portfolio will soon be completed by the efficient and powerful 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI ecoFLEX with 143 kW/195 hp, maximum torque of 400 Nm, manual six-speed transmission and Start/Stop technology.

!NEW! Opel Cascada: Athletic, glamorous midsize convertible

• Elongated 4 seater midsize convertible with muscular, timeless elegance
• Sophisticated, high quality soft-top system operates at driving speeds of up to 50 km/h
• Outstanding body stiffness combined with HiPerStrut front suspension technology
• Broad powertrain line-up with new generation direct injection gasoline 1.6 SIDI Turbo

Back to the most intense automotive experiences: cruising along with the sun softly warming your skin; feeling the air thickening in your open hand as speed increases; tipping back your head and finding no limit to your view, just diving into the deep blue sky. These are typical Cascada moments. The Cascada, Opel’s new all season convertible due to be launched in early 2013, is a classy four seater with an elongated silhouette and a high-quality soft top. Heading to the top of Opel’s line-up, the Cascada is a midsize convertible not only by its size (length: 4,697 mm; width 1,840 mm excl. mirrors) but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers.

After several generations of compact Kadett and Astra cabriolets, Opel returns to an older tradition of prestigious and rare midsize, four seat soft-top convertibles from the fifties and sixties – like the Kapitän and the Rekord – but in a new, refreshing way and with the best of modern technologies. The Cascada provides a sharp driving experience thanks to its super rigid body, HiPerStrut front suspension and FlexRide adaptive damping system. Its driver and passengers can enjoy the open-air feeling thanks to the premium soft top that can be opened at the touch of a button in 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Electric seat belt presenters, exclusive Nappa leather and ventilated, ergonomic seats as well as invisible, watchful safety systems make life serene and safe. 

Attitude: Pure soft-top elegance enables full open-air enjoyment

With its broad stance and a flowing continuity of sculptured shapes that is typical for Opel, the Cascada design reflects the classic and timeless elegance of the “Grandes Routières” of a bygone and glamorous age. With the top down for open-air drives, the Cascada has a perfectly clean profile: behind the fast and gracefully raked A pillar, no roof top cover or visible rollover protection disturbs the silhouette. Below this clarity and to add some drama, the subtle Opel blade on the lower body side is mirrored in its upper part by a sharp crease that swings upward to the rear end, into the wraparound rear lights. The gently upswept waistline is highlighted by a horizontal chrome strip that elegantly sweeps around the cockpit, fluidly and elegantly marking the boundary between the roof top and the body.

Tastefully sculpted in a purposeful power bulge, the bonnet tops a deepened front grille with bold chrome applications. The fog lights are carried in two overturned shark fin elements, which are visually enhanced and balanced by chrome inserts. Both using LED technology, the daytime running lights in the headlamps and the rear lights incorporate the Opel typical wing signature. In the rear, the LED lighting modules are diffused for giving a solid and sharp light signal - a typical feature of premium class cars. A proud chrome strip linking the lighting units set into the boot lid balances the front chrome trim.

Top quality materials selected from suppliers of the most prestigious premium cabriolets are used to build Opel Cascada’s soft top. It benefits from superior acoustic and thermal insulation thanks to a special layer of polyester fleece between the outside layer and the interior lining. An electro-hydraulic mechanism activated via a switch located between the front seats opens the roof in 17 seconds at driving speeds of up to 50 km/h – placing the Cascada among the benchmarks in roof top operation. In addition, key operated remote control for opening and closing the top is standard in all Cascada models. Three soft top colors are available at launch. They can be coordinated with ten different body colors.

Indulgence: Crafted cockpit with outstanding comfort and functionality

The Cascada’s cockpit offers a striking, sculptural yet sporty design highlighted by precise, handcrafted details. The lines of the wing-shaped instrument panel, which features real stitching on soft, wrapped surfaces, flow into the doors, dynamically embracing the front-seat occupants. All new richly trimmed seats are offered in several elegantly embossed fabrics and leathers. The up level AGR certified ergonomic seats are wrapped in rich, soft Nappa leather and benefit from heating and ventilation systems: on hot, sunny days, fresh air is drawn through the holes in the perforated leather to increase front occupants’ comfort. Securing them is easy and comfortable due to the electric seat belt extender which brings the seat belt within close reach using a telescoping arm. An electric Easy Entry system makes access to the rear seat swift and comfortable.

The Opel Cascada benefits from great storage and stowage capacity for a convertible, allowing comfortable, all season daily use. Several useful, large storage spaces have been placed around the driver: in the door, in and under the instrument panel and, thanks to a standard Electric Park Brake, in the center console – just where you need storage space the most. The minimum load volume with the roof open is 280 liters, and up to 350 liters are available when the soft top is closed. To extend its load volume or transport exceptionally long objects, the Opel Cascada benefits from the FlexFold system that electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seat back rests – a feature that cannot be offered in hard-top cabriolets. 

Excellence: Superior body stiffness combines with outstanding chassis technology

Body stiffness is a key criterion for open roof vehicles; it has a high impact on their driving behavior, steering precision, acoustics, safety and comfort and also conveys a clear feeling of their genuine quality. The Opel Cascada provides an superior balance between torsional and bending stiffness thanks to several measures including impressive underbody crossed steel bars and reinforced rocker profiles. Compared to Opel’s previous generation cabriolet, the Astra TwinTop, the Cascada’s body is 43% stiffer in torsion and 10% in bending. This layout provides a solid basis for the suspension and contributes towards significant reduction in noise, vibrations and harshness.

The new midsize Opel Cascada naturally has a more impressive footprint than the 2006 compact Astra Twin Top. The wheelbase is 71 mm longer, the front tread 56 mm and the rear tread 70 mm wider. That benefits handling and stability. The front axle of the Cascada features as standard the best of Opel chassis technology with the HiPerStrut layout that was initially developed for the Insignia OPC. HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) separates the functions of damping and steering and provides highest traction and cornering precision as well as reduced torque steer and improved grip under all circumstances. The Opel Cascada has electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering with speed sensitive assistance. For more direct steering feel and precision, the electric motor is mounted on the rack, as opposed to the base of the steering column. FlexRide, Opel’s integrated, fully adaptive chassis control system is of course available in the Cascada. It enhances its ride and handling performance and safety as it adapts to the driving situation, driving style as well as the drivers’ preferences. The Opel Cascada can be equipped with 17” to 20” wheels. Brake discs have sizes of up to 326 mm in front and 325 mm in rear.

Performance: New generation direct Injection 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline engine

A broad powertrain line-up will be available in the Opel Cascada convertible. The 1.4 gasoline Turbo opens the portfolio; it is combined with a manual 6-speed transmission and is available in two output versions of 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp, both delivering up to 220 Nm thanks to an overboost function. On the diesel side, the 2.0 CDTI with 121 kW/165 hp comes with either a manual or an automatic 6 speed transmission. This engine delivers up to 380 Nm when its overboost is active.

The highlight in the Cascada powertrain line-up will be the 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC gasoline engine. This midsize direct injection unit is part of a fully new generation that makes its debut in early 2013 and is geared to very smooth ride and torque delivery and great fuel economy. It delivers 125 kW/170 hp, between 1,650 and 3,200 rpm – and 280 Nm thanks to an overboost function. This engine will be available with manual and automatic 6 speed transmissions. The new, low friction 6 speed automatic transmission in the Cascada features an Active Select function that allows manual shifting for a more sporty driving experience.

More powerful versions of both gasoline and diesel engines will be launched in the Cascada at a later stage. 

Serenity: Sophisticated technology and safety features

The Cascada combines an open-air driving experience with the best of Opel technology. This includes the AFL+ Adaptive Forward Lighting system with up to 11 automatic functions, the second generation Opel Eye front camera with its new, extended functionalities - enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), new Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA), a rear view camera and an Advanced Park Assist that eases parking maneuvers, an ultra sonic based Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA), ergonomic front seats, a heated steering wheel, and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

The Cascada’s extremely rigid passenger cell is mainly fabricated from high strength steel for the least deformation and largest possible survival space in crash conditions. Doors have diagonally mounted ultra high strength steel beams and beltline reinforcements. The A pillars supporting the windscreen are in press hardened steel. In case of roll over, pyrotechnically activated spring loaded high strength bars automatically deploy behind the rear seats. These pop ups are also triggered during other severe impacts – when airbags are deployed – in order to prepare the vehicle for possible secondary impacts and resulting roll over. Front seats both benefit from two way active headrests and double seat belt pretensioners and even the two rear seats have seat belt pretensioners.