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A latest-generation vehicle with optimised safety
The new Partner is manufactured on platform 2
of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. This platform
continuously improves with every new vehicle
launch, and its use ensures a high level of safety
and road holding.
On the platform the designers and stylists have
created a van that is "round" on the outside
and "square" on the inside. This is the result of
a number of key objects with regards to the
structural design:
• a cube shaped load area to ensure optimal load
volume,
• a wide rectangular opening at the rear to
guarantee good access and an ergonomically
designed load area,
• a reinforced ‘C’ post offering maximum protection
in the event of a rear or side impact,
• a forward positioned front windscreen pillar for
good aerodynamics and overall balance of the
vehicle’s body shape.
These structural features give the body an
excellent load capacity and dynamic qualities of
a very high level.
In terms of passive safety the vehicle benefi ts
from three impact absorption structures (low,
middle and top) ensuring optimal distribution of
impact forces. In the event of a frontal impact they
combine to preserve the integrity of the passenger
compartment.
The lower structure backs up the traditional
middle structure through the use of sub-frame
extensions, a feature borrowed from the Peugeot
407. Designed in particular to enhance pedestrian
safety in the event of front impact, the lower
structure dissipates energy from a collision via the
sub-frame extensions, then the sub-frame itself
and fi nally the under body (fl oor and sills).
The middle structure for its part distributes nonabsorbed
energy into the chassis leg, then to the
bulkhead, the bulkhead side cross members and
lastly the under body.
The addition of a third upper impact structure has
been created by reinforcing the area above the front
wings. It absorbs and directs any impact forces
not yet dissipated towards the front windscreen
pillars and the door frame.
These features together reduce the number of
components affected in the event of impact, which
in turn reduces repair costs and, therefore, overall
running costs.
In the event of a side impact, the car’s occupants
are protected by the strengthened B-pillar, the
diagonal door reinforcements and the internal
door padding, as well as by the design of the seat
structure designed to absorb some of the impact
forces.
At the rear, an impact beam and specifi c parts of
the under body have been designed to deform in
a controlled manner in the event of a rear impact,
thereby limiting repair costs.
Lastly the reinforced B/C post preserves the
survival cell within the passenger compartment in
the event of rollover.
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