Injury risk: vulnerable body areas

The safety cell for passengers passed intact through the tests.

Peugeot 307’s driver’s door opened normally after the frontal impact and the footwell retained its shape. The driver’s chest hit the steering wheel and the passenger’s head struck the facia during the impact. The results for the side impact test were very good, however. The passenger’s frontal airbag can be de-activated via a switch so that a rear-facing child restraint can be installed on the front passenger’s seat. A second key should be used to deactivate the airbag while the engine is running. Even so, the warning given on the instrument panel remained correct.

Front impact
The body proved very strong after the impact and showed no distortion of its screen pillars. The footwell remained virtually undisturbed, too. However, structures behind the fascia increased the risks for the driver. The centre rear seat was fitted with a three-point belt that provides superior protection to that of a lap belt. The front belts had reel-mounted pre-tensioners and were load limited, reducing the risk of injury for occupants.

Side impact
All-round protection was provided, including a head curtain airbag. Full marks were achieved, which is impressive for a car of this size.

Child occupant
The children’s heads were protected in the frontal impact but exposed in the side impact. The passenger airbag could be turned off using a key-operated switch.

Peugeot-branded Kiddy Reboard restraints were chosen for testing, facing forwards for the older child and rearwards for the younger. Each used ISOFIX mountings. A pictogram and text label on the end of the fascia and on the stowed passenger’s sun visor mentioned the switch, but neither warned that injury or death could result from using a rear-facing restraint opposite a ‘live’ airbag.

Pedestrian
The Peugeot 307 provided reasonable protection where an adult’s or child’s head might strike, but the bumper and the leading edge of the bonnet were uncompromising.

			Front: 12 Side: 16	Pole: 2
			Pre 2002 rating

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