Innovative safety features of the Volvo XC60: A closer look at the Continental Sensor System
Imagine a Sunday without the Top Gear show on the Discovery Channel... a perfect one! In my case, being almost forced to watch this show every time it's on has made me realize that I might discover interesting things that could enhance my knowledge in the stunning world of cars. This time, I found a spicy detail about one of the most famous and safest car brands in the world: Volvo.
Let me share with you the Continental Sensor System featured in the new Volvo XC60. Sounds fancy, right? But let’s get serious and discuss the facts. You might not be surprised to learn that the risk of rear-end collisions is particularly high in city traffic, where constant braking and accelerating are the norm. Statistics show that 75% of accidents recorded by police occur at speeds below 30 km/h. This is precisely where the Continental-developed sensor system, based on the Closing Velocity (CV) sensor, significantly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.
How it works
Fitted at the level of the inside mirror and in the area cleaned by the windshield wiper, the sensor uses three infrared beams to probe the road up to six meters in front of the vehicle. It detects stationary vehicles or those traveling in the same direction. If the distance is less than what is considered critical at the current speed, the system automatically applies the brakes. Pretty clever, huh?
Theoretically, if the maximum speed differential between the vehicles is 15 km/h, a rear-end collision could be avoided in most cases. Even at greater relative speeds, the severity of the impact would be considerably minimized. Additionally, the City Safety system optimizes occupant protection by providing extra data to the airbag control unit, triggering the restraint systems as needed. Like the front and side airbag initiation sensors, this is also a Continental product.
Practical application
All clear so far! But what happens when theory meets practice? Just today, while looking for more information about this innovative system that inspired me to promote Volvo’s technology, I came across an article that changed my perspective entirely.
At a media event in Sweden, Volvo chose to demonstrate its latest technology: the collision detection system on the S60. As you may already know, the system detects obstacles on the road ahead and applies the brakes to slow or even stop the car before a potential collision.
As you can see, it didn’t go as planned. What did Volvo have to say about it? They blamed the failure on a battery issue, which a human driver would have easily noticed. However, they also claimed that the collision detection system had previously functioned perfectly before the crash.
While the sensors may have failed, it’s evident that had there been a driver in the seat, he would have been safe, thanks to the effective crash structures of the S60.
It was a surprising incident, but I still believe that Volvo will address these issues. After all, the safest cars in the world still belong to this Swedish brand!