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This lower structure is made possible by the use of an extended sub-frame comprising of a standard sub-frame, to which have been added extensions, a front cross member, impact absorbers and a pedestrian impact beam equipped with integral impact absorbers.
In addition, the upper structure and lower structure are interconnected to optimise the rigidity and stability of the assembly.
This front structure sets a new standard in impact absorption strategy.
Besides distributing energy more effi ciently it offers an attractive combination of rigidity, ensuring protection against high-speed frontal impacts, and suppleness, affording protection to pedestrians, as well as compatibility in the event of an impact with a lighter vehicle.
In addition, stiffeners connect the rear of the chassis legs to the tops of the 'A' post, thereby reducing the degree to which the chassis legs retract into the passenger compartment.
An impactor - a device securing the power train to the front sub-frame - limits its intrusion into the passenger compartment, and a steering column that retracts over a distance of 70 mm, completes the impact protection specification.
Intelligently designed footrests help to reduce injury. On left-hand drive vehicles the driver has an "active" footrest which, in the event of an impact, pushes the ankle back reducing the angle of movement, thereby helping to prevent serious injury.
Similarly, the front passenger's feet rest on a flat surface, the angle of which has been specially determined to limit the consequences of possible sudden movement.
For side impact...
Protection against side impact is assured by the design of the body side frame and of the superstructure, which absorbs impact energy and preserves a survival cell for the occupants.
The doors, equipped with sill reinforcements and tubular bars at the front, help effectively to ensure structural rigidity by creating a solid barrier between the 'A' and 'B/C' posts and the rear wheel arch.
Lastly, door padding completes the specifi cation by helping to absorb energy.
In addition, 3-door versions are equipped with a retention pin which ensures a physical link between the door and the B/C post when the door is closed, helping to guarantee optimal strength of the assembly.
Efficient means of restraint...
Peugeot 207 is equipped with numerous air bags:- The two adaptive front air bags have a dual-generator function and can adapt their pressures to the severity of an impact. The driver's side airbag has a capacity of 60 litres and the passenger side airbag a capacity of 90 litres, and can also be de-activated.
- Two side air bags each with a volume of 11 litres
- Two curtain air bags each with a volume of 23 litres located along the roof arch and working in conjunction with front chest side air bags. They are available as standard or as an option according to versions and destinations.
Five 3-point inertia reel seat belts complete the occupant restraints:
- two height-adjustable pre-tensioning front inertia reel seat belts and force limiters set at 450 daN;
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