 SAFETY
Computer-aided engineering has been used in the Kenari’s construction with special attention paid to the effects
of impacts on the front, rear and sides. As a result, the Kenari can pass the latest crash test requirements in
Europe and Japan.
For the front and rear, the structures are designed to crumple so as to
dissipate the forces of the impact before they reach the occupants. On the
sides, the doors have beams welded inside them to reduce intrusion and the
centre pillars have extra reinforcements. The floorpan also has extra
transverse beams to help the lower sills resist deformation. In crash tests, it has been possible to open the doors after side impacts and that’s
important for rescuers.
An interesting safety feature in the engine bay is the use of a specially-designed frame which will bend
downwards in a vee-shape when the Kenari is involved in a direct frontal collision. The engine and transmission can then drop downwards instead of being pushed backwards into the cabin area
where the occupants can get injured. As with all modern cars, the steering
column is also collapsible upon impact, eliminating the danger of it being
propelled against the driver.
Such features are particularly important in a small car like the Kenari which
has limited length in its front end. By minimising intrusion of the engine into the cabin, the risk of injury to the occupants is lower.
Other safety features in the Kenari include vented front disc brakes with
boosted hydraulic pressure from a 203 mm diameter vacuum servo pump and large drum brakes for the rear wheels.
Laminated glass is used for the windscreen and this type of glass – once
available only on expensive European models – will not shatter into tiny
dangerous pieces when hit by a stone. Due to its ‘sandwich’ construction, the
sharp impact force is absorbed more effectively and if it is very great, only a hairline crack will develop. This is important for driving safety as the forward vision will remain clear.
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts are provided for the front occupants but no seatbelts are provided at the rear
at present (export models will, however, have rear seatbelts due to safety regulations in some countries).
However, the rear doors are equipped with childproof locks. A standard
feature in almost all cars since the 1970s (but not known by many car
owners!), childproof locks, when activated, make it impossible for the door to be opened from the inside even if the latch is released. This will give the driver more peace of mind by not having to worry about a child accidentally opening the door while the car is moving.
It is considered a hassle by some who use it as the door can only be opened
from the outside. One solution would be to activate only the lock on the right door which would normally open towards traffic when the car is parked. That way, there is less danger of an eager child suddenly opening the door and rushing out.
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