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Decades of laboratory crash testing and detailed analysis of thousands of real-world crashes have taught Volvo engineers how to design a vehicle which provides maximum occupant protection in the event of a head-on impact, side impact, rear impact and rollover.

The new V70 employs Volvo's most-current passive safety technology: WHIPS, SIPS, IC are standard safety features on all V70 models.

In addition Volvo has improved the new V70's body structure rigidity, chassis dynamics, brakes and driver-assistance technology to allow the driver every possible chance of avoiding danger.

Although a unique wagon-only design, the V70 is based on the S80 sedan platform; therefore, it incorporates the same safety design as the S80, plus innovative new features.

Active safety was a priority in the design of the new V70, in particular to ensure predictable, balanced handling whatever the road conditions and whatever the load.

The four-wheel disc brakes on the V70 are much larger than those on the previous model. In effect, the new V70 now shares brakes with the S80 to reduce stopping distance.

The braking hardware is assisted by a four-channel anti-lock braking system which double-duties as a Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system on the T5 - optional on the 2.4T. DSTC uses a gyro sensor and steering movement sensors to correctly determine if the V70 is travelling normally or if it is in a slide. It does this by cross referencing steering inputs against the gyro sensor and 'decides' in which direction the car is sliding.

DSTC then manipulates the braking system to assist the driver in regaining control of the car.

DSTC is particularly valuable when the driver is forced to brake sharply while taking evasive action to avoid a collision.

Because the V70 can carry loads as heavy as 500kg, the braking system is further assisted with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) - tech-speak for a brake bias system which distributes braking effort front to rear without compromising vehicle control for maximum stopping efficiency even when the V70 is fully laden.

The new V70 is better attuned to driver steering inputs and responds with improved handling. The V70 rides on a simple MacPherson strut front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. Together with the more rigid body structure, the V70 allows the driver to take decisive evasive action.

Of course, the V70 body structure incorporates crumple zone technology to absorb and control the impact force in order to prevent or reduce occupant injury.

Front seat passengers are protected by six airbags as well as pyrotechnic self-tensioning seat belts with force limiters and Volvo's WHIPS (whiplash protection system).

Not all frontal impacts require the use of an airbag, and some impacts require the airbag to inflate but not fully. The V70 almost instantly determines the severity of an impact and inflates the airbags accordingly.

During a severe impact, the seat belt pre-tensioners are activated and the frontal airbags inflate to full capacity within a few thousandths of a second. During a frontal impact which is less severe but may still cause injury, the airbags inflate to 70 percent of full capacity. In minor frontal impacts, only the seat belt tensioners are activated.

Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) is a simple means of describing a complex and effective system. A disproportionally high percentage of severe injuries result from side impacts. Reducing the risk of injury requires several integrated systems to work together. Notice the large and substantial B pillar; the door incorporates large impact beams; and side airbags to protect the thorax are mounted to the front seats. To protect the head, an inflatable curtain extends the length of the cockpit.

The Inflatable Curtain (IC) remains inflated for more than 3 seconds to provided maximum head protection through a collision sequence.

All five seats have headrests and three-point inertia-reel safety belts. The optional rear-facing child seat is also equipped with headrests and inertia-reel three-point safety belts. The V70 is designed to provided maximum protection to all occupants.

WHIPS - the front seats are not only comfortable and supportive on a long drive, they literally cradle the spine from head to coccyx during a rear impact to reduce whiplash.