SAFETY AND COMFORT OF A COMPACT CAR
 

From the outside, the Fiat Sedici conveys an impression of a solid, reliable and sturdy vehicle. This sensation is confirmed by the model's build qualities, beginning with a body designed to the most up-to-date impact resistance standards: a rigid passenger compartment to protect occupants and high impact-absorbing capacity areas in exterior parts.

As far as preventive safety is concerned, the new model offers an ideal driving position to ensure drivers do not tire even on long runs. The instruments are easy to read and the controls easy to reach and operate. The passenger compartment is noiseless, the visibility is outstanding, the climate control system and the interior and exterior lighting are effective. These qualities do not ensure outstanding quality of life on their own but help the driver remain more alert and therefore ensure more complete control under all road conditions.

On the active safety front, the new vehicle boasts an effective, prompt and gradual braking system that features ventilated front discs with a diameter of 280 millimetres and 220 millimetre drums at the rear. To ensure greater mastery of the car, the Fiat Sedici also offers the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program, a system that cuts in under near-limit conditions when car stability is at risk and helps the driver to control the car. To achieve this result, the system continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to enter a skid (understeer or oversteer).
 

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle). The Electronic Stability Program system fitted to the new model is also combined with an electronically-controlled active differential plus a state-of-the-art braking system with ABS complemented by electric brakeforce distributor EBD. This divides braking action over all four wheels to prevent the rear wheels from locking and ensures a balanced car response under all conditions. The system adapts system operation to wheel grip conditions and pad efficiency. It also reduces front brake temperatures and the brake servo thrust requirement.

To ensure maximum passive safety, the new model also offers up to 6 airbags - 2 front bags, 2 sidebags and 2 curtain-bags (the latter are an option on top-of-the-range versions) - all controlled by an electronic control unit that assesses crash severity by means of sensors calibrated by means of a series of crashes conducted in the laboratory. Other standard features include front seat-belts with pretensioner and load limiter, three-point rear seat-belts, energy-absorbing steering wheel and ISOFIX attachment on the rear seats. A safe and reliable vehicle, therefore, that ensures great driving ease and precision, outstanding roadholding and the best possible passenger comfort. This is due, above all, to the new suspension system that ensures the vehicle dynamic behaviour typical of a higher segment vehicle. A MacPherson independent configuration has been chosen for the front while an interconnected wheel suspension system with torsion beam fitted at the rear. This configuration combines the traditional benefits of a simple, streamlined layout with standards of comfort and handling once obtainable only with very sophisticated suspension systems. The Fiat Sedici's outstanding on-road behaviour is also enhanced by tyres (205/60 R 16) that achieve the best balance between road performance (handling and comfort) and off-road performance (over unsurfaced roads) and winter performance (over snowy surfaces).