The airbag is essential to protect the occupants of a vehicle during a crash. In combination with the belt, they are the passive safety elements that more lives have been saved in traffic accidents.
Although its importance is crucial, in Argentina it was recently required as mandatory equipment in cars 0 km in 2014 -along with the ABS braking system-.
Ten years later, and with the mandatory introduction of stability control from 2022, most models, even low-end ones, offer four and up to six airbags as standard. In turn, the most equipped ones include a seventh airbag reserved for the driver’s knees.
This week, the Japanese Lexus became the first brand in the country to launch a model with airbag central delanterointended to reinforce the protection of occupants in a side collision.
The model that incorporates it is the Lexus LBXthe brand’s new compact SUV that was launched this week in our market at a price of $62,100.
No to clashing heads
Although it is a novelty in Argentina, the front central airbag was introduced in other markets more than a decade ago. Developed by General Motorsmade its debut in models of Buick y GMC From 2013.
This tubular airbag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat, opening between the two front seats. Its function, on the one hand, is to hold the driver in case he is traveling alone, preventing his body – and his head – from moving suddenly to the side.
On the other hand, it acts as an energy-absorbing cushion between the driver and front passenger, reducing the collision between them. Something like a air wall between the two seats which also has straps to remain in the correct position.
According to industry data, this type of airbag is capable of reducing the possibility of a head injury by 80%.
Lexus’ first compact SUV
The new Lexus LBX is the entry-level model of the Toyota luxury brand. It arrives from Japan and is located below the UX.
Offered in a single version hybrid (Active), equipped with a 91 HP 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and another 69 kW (94 HP) electric engine that, coupled to the e-CVT automatic transmission, deliver a maximum power of 136 horses (to the front wheels) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reach a maximum of 170 km/h.
The LBX measures 4.19 meters long, 1.83 m. wide, 1.55 m. high and has a wheelbase of 2.58 meters. The trunk capacity is 317 liters and it has 17-inch wheels.
Among the equipment, the 12.9″ digital dashboard stands out, 9.8″ multimedia screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, eight airbags and the Lexus Safety System (LSS+) driving assistance package that includes: automatic driving system lights, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and advanced pre-collision system.
