I must admit that the first time I heard about Mercedes’ new safety system I had thought that it was something that was still years away from becoming available. How wrong I was! The PRE-SAFE system, as it is called, is a terrific way to enhance passenger safety and one that should be adopted by other automakers. Yes, I am sure that it isn’t a cheap system but as it is with so many technological advances the price is bound to drop and the system or something like it will become widely available across the board.

Introduced with select Mercedes models in 2003, the PRE-SAFE system automatically kicks in moments before a collision. All it takes is a panic stop or a skid and the system is set in motion; here is what occupants can expect moments before a crash occurs:

Snug in place. Passenger seat belts automatically tighten to prepare occupants for a crash.

Snug in place, part two. Along with the seat belts, air cushions on the sides of the seats inflate to keep people in position.

Seat movements. Headrests and seats automatically move to predetermined positions that provide optimum protection for occupants.

Close it up. Windows automatically shut to offer the best support for side-curtain air bags and cars equipped with a moon roof will find that it has closed up in the event of a rollover.

Since its introduction, PRE-SAFE has been expanded to additional Mercedes models and the original technology is constantly being tweaked and improved upon.

New technology being developed by Mercedes includes the development of a radar sensor to track vehicles running a red light and slamming into your car. Once this technology has been readied, it will take the PRE-SAFE system one step further and offer occupants one more way to avoid serious injury.

So, is Volvo behind in the development of crash preparation technology? Not a chance. Volvo released its Whiplash Protection Seating System in 2000 that prepares passengers for a rear hit by adjusting the seating position to minimize impact. In addition, the company is working on a radar system that can detect when a driver drifts out of his lane. This feature will also utilize an electronic eye to keep an eye on blind spots not seen through the side mirrors.

Ultimately, a defensive driver is the best driver, but there are times when situations are completely out of your control. Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system is certain to be a big help and is likely to reduce serious injuries and even prevent some deaths. Technology at its best!

So a British filmmaker who embraced Mumbai has swept all before him in the film award stakes. Slumdog Millionaire has amassed a staggering eight Oscars, seven BAFTAS and four Golden Globes. All from Danny Boyle the man who presented us the heroin induced Ewan McGregor from Trainspotting in the mid nineties. Still to this day there are no trains. It’s safe to say that if any car is the equivalent of Slumdog Millionaire in awards terms it’d be the new Ford Fiesta, which since being launched in October 2008 has had its boot full of gongs and accolades.

Having sold 12 million Fiestas worldwide, when Ford proclaimed the new Fiesta range was “the most significant global vehicle project since the Model T” I’m not ashamed to say I wet myself laughing. I just couldn’t see how Ford could back up this statement with results. If you produce the world’s first production car and then go on to sell 12 million of Europe’s best selling hatchback since it was first made 32 years ago, you’ve every right to be sceptical as to just how they’ll top it.

Plus if you are selling that volume of cars why would you change the design significantly and risk your millions of customers nipping over the road to another dealership? No, I think what Ford really meant was “the most significant global vehicle project since the Model T, because in these times of economic crisis if we don’t shift many we’re broke”. After all the gigantic billboards they had surrounding the London docklands at the British Motorshow last year must’ve blown Kia’s yearly budget away instantly.

The awards are proof that whilst it’s debatable whether or not Ford has unveiled a groundbreaking project, the new car is up to the task of being a good hatchback. Now there’s an even newer, er, new Ford Fiesta, the ECOnetic. It’s clear from the capitalisation of ‘ECO’ that this car intends to be green whichever colour you choose. The old Fiesta was from the ‘New Edge’ school of design and the ECOnetic showcases what Ford is dubbing as ‘Kinetic’ styling. Another grandiose claim backed up with results, the Fiesta really does look like it’s moving when sitting at the kerbside.

A large front grill only interrupted by the number plate greets you head on, whilst the side profile shows off large slashes that sweep from bonnet to boot and give the car a handsome stance. It all goes slightly awry at the back though. The high boot line is fine, as is the subtle roof spoiler and combination of metal and black plastics. Unfortunately if you don’t look at the rear face-on it looks as though an elephant has run into the back of you and you’ve not fixed it. No such concerns with the interior styling where everything is very space-age and well located. The centre console inspired by mobile phone keypads is my favourite touch and is easy to use.

But what of the ECO bit I hear you cry. It’s actually a trim level within the range, like the Ghia or Zetec of old. In this case the suspension has been lowered, wind deflectors added and low rolling resistance tyres fitted – all in the name of boosting fuel economy and reducing emissions. There’s also a green shift indicator light which blinks when it’s most efficient to change gear. Boy racers need not apply. A 1.6 TDC Duratorg engine can be found under the bonnet, but unlike the version found in other Fiestas in the range, this one returns a whopping 76.3mpg combined fuel consumption. Emissions are measly too with just 99g/km CO2 escaping the car. The ECOnetic has been branded the UK’s greenest five door family car and with figures like this who am I to argue? Oh and thanks to those emissions, road tax is a thing of the past with this car too.

The best thing to recommend this car however is that it drives like a ‘normal’ Fiesta, despite the engine fettling, lowered suspension and special tyres. If you hadn’t guessed already, handling like the other Fiestas in the range is a very good thing hence the wealth of awards bestowed on it. Around town it’s light and maneuverable and despite only hitting 111mph, it doesn’t feel uneasy in the outside lane of the motorway.

When you think about it, this car is pretty groundbreaking so maybe Ford was telling the truth after all. Either way, they should have no problem selling them, even with elephant damage.

Mark Creese is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses the Brand New Ford Fiesta

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