Rigorously tested
Central airbag design takes into account the various positions of the front seats in relation to each other, as well as different types of human figures (dummies in the tests). Static and dynamic tests verify the airbag’s functionality before it is approved for series production. In static testing, for example, the airbag must deploy properly from the seat in low and high temperatures.
The centre airbag is increasingly becoming standard equipment in Škoda cars - like here in the Octavia.
The airbag also undergoes a material ageing simulation programme that lasts up to 12 weeks. The part is tested in a climate chamber under shock, large temperature fluctuations, salt fog and dust. Dynamic tests, known as crash tests, offer a very accurate and realistic simulation of real-life car crash situations. The airbag has to fulfil its restraining function in these tests. Various criteria are then evaluated, such as the coverage of the potential head impact area, biomechanical values measured on the dummies and, last but not least, the timely and correct firing of the airbag.