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November
02, 2005
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Outstanding results equivalent to a five-star rating The outstanding final score achieved by the Viano is equivalent to a five-star EU-RO NCAP rating - the highest possible mark awarded to only the very safest passenger cars. No other MPV in the Viano's class has ever achieved such a high score. One of the main reasons why the Viano performed exceptionally well was the low forces exerted on the occupants during an impact. Here the Viano passed the test with flying colours, achieving the highest marks currently awarded. Each of the three tests involved a medium-length Viano, the best-selling model variant. That said, the crash test results also provide a clear indication of how other Viano model variants as well as the closely related Mercedes-Benz Vito vans would perform. Extensive range of safety equipment Even standard-specification Viano models include an extensive range of safety equipment such as driver and front-passenger airbags as well as three-point seat belts and height-adjustable head restraints for all seats. The front seat belts are equipped with pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Optional equipment includes windowbags and thorax sidebags for the driver and front passenger, both of which were installed in the Viano vehicles on test. The Viano Ambiente models even feature thorax sidebags as standard. If called upon, the safety systems interact perfectly. In a first stage, the belt ten-sioner is activated, depending on the severity of the impact. Only in a second stage does the airbag control unit intervene to deploy the airbags, having assessed both the duration and the direction of the deceleration leading up to the collision. The airbag activation thresholds are variable, based on the individual accident characteristics. Isofix mounting systems as standard Thanks to its lavish interior space and outstanding flexibility, the Viano is ideal for use as a family vehicle, a fact which the developers kept firmly in mind when configuring the safety features: the individual rear seats, for example, feature Isofix child seat mountings as standard, while the automatic child seat recognition system ensures that the airbag and belt tensioner for this seat are only activated when required. In addition the Mercedes-Benz accessories range includes a wide selection of child seats for all ages, making the Viano an ideal "child-friendly car". Impact energy transferred to specific deformation zones Viano and Vito models feature a body structure that deforms in a predefined manner, absorbing the impact energy in precisely the way the designers intended in order to provide the best possible level of protection for the occupants. Detailed simulation calculations and tests under realistic conditions are carried out to test and optimise all vehicle variants with respect to crashworthiness, strength, rigidity, bending resistance and torsional stiffness. In both the theoretical and practically-oriented tests, the engineers went through the entire repertoire of frontal, offset, side-impact, rear-impact, roof-drop and roll-over tests, all of which are based on stringent Mercedes-Benz criteria. Accident prevention is the first line of defence before passive safety. So it's comforting to know that the Viano and Vito are the only vehicles in their respective classes to be fitted with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard throughout the range. Needless to say, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic Brake Assist (BAS), electronic brake force distribution and acceleration skid control (ASR) are also fitted as standard. In addition, safe driving in the Viano and Vito is assured by the agile chassis, including rear wheel drive, a coil-spring semitrailing-arm rear axle and a high-performance braking system with disc brakes all round, the like of which is normally seen on a passenger car. (Oct 27, 2005)
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