>>> passive safety

Fifteen thousand hours of computer-aided design, 120 crash tests, one hundred simulations using a HyGe slide, two hundred tests on components and subsystems, ten new types of tests and eight specialised suppliers involved in codesign. These statistics demonstrate Fiat's deep-rooted commitment to making the Fiat Stilo models one of the safest cars in its segment and also in the field of motoring as a whole. The new model represents the state-of-the-art as far as passive safety is concerned. This total protection begins with devices specifically devoted to safety: eight airbags including two two-stage bags; five three-point seat-belts with pretensioners and load limiters, five head-restraints and an FPS (Fire Prevention System). And goes on to include a new chassis designed to absorb impact with maximum efficacy. The service continues with occupant protection provided by the body, bonnet, doors and facia beam.

Yet we must not overlook the contribution to passive safety provided by other elements such as the seats or door panels. Although these parts fulfil a different function, they have also been designed with a view to their performance in the case of accidents.

>>> front airbags

Full protection, smart protection. Beginning with two front airbags for driver and front passenger that work in a different way to conventional airbags. Until now, airbags have always expanded simultaneously and to their maximum size after activation and this size was calculated to safeguard occupants during the most severe impacts. The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon, however, comes with Multistage front airbags: when the impact is of moderate force, the system opens only to the first of two stages; during more serious collisions, the control units control the activation of both stages. The airbags may, however, be activated in accordance with different sequences determined by the various impact types. In each case, braids inside the bags ensure maximum bag dimension and final shape are as non-invasive as possible for passengers. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated manually by operating a switch at the extreme right of the facia using the ignition key. A baby can therefore be carried in a child seat with its back facing the direction of motion (though the pretensioner remains active).

>>> sidebags

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon comes with four sidebags to protect the pelvises and chests of passengers even when the car is struck from the side: two front (standard) and two rear (optional). These are located inside the seat squab, a position that ensures the best possible occupant defence, regardless of stature, position assumed and seat adjustment. 

Like the passenger front airbag and sidebag, the rear sidebags may also be deactivated by a manual switch that is located beneath the parcel rack shelf. This condition is indicated on the panel by the activation of a specific warning light separate from the front passenger seat light.

>>> window bags

These airbags are designed to drop down along the windows to safeguard passengers' heads in the case of side impact. Compared to other options, the window-bags adopted on the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon are more protective (because they always take up the correct position), faster to inflate and less invasive for passengers. They open from top to bottom and do not involve a risk of secondary damage to occupants' arms on opening.

They also effectively safeguard the heads of front and rear passengers because they extend along the entire width of the window and ensure protection even during rollover.

Two bags (one on the right and the other on the left) are located under the roof rails where they are folded into a closed compartment. At the appropriate moment, the covering bends open to allow the bags to expand and drop downward.

>>> central control unit & sensors

As we have seen, the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is equipped with all the most advanced passive safety devices currently available. It is governed by a sophisticated new 'nerve system' that is governed by an electronic control unit located in the front tunnel. This control unit receives signals from the various sensors distributed throughout the car (and others inside) and decides how many devices should be activated and which ones. This is why the system is said to be 'smart'. It does not activate when the occupant is in no danger of striking the car walls regardless of whether an impact has taken place or not. It detects stresses that are not caused by an impact. It will even work if the electrical system stops working.

All this requires very sophisticated operating strategies and detection terminals. Namely:

- two-way accelerometers that provide a set of information that complements signals from satellite sensors on the central panels (responsible for activating the sidebags and window-bags); 
- a CSA (Crash Severity Algorithm) that identifies crash severity and controls the multistage front airbags;
- a decentralised sensor for detecting frontal impact known as an ECS (Early Crash Sensor). This extra device is located near the bonnet catch and allows the control unit to deploy the front airbags earlier than on a conventional system. The system is so quick that the bags are fully unfolded by the time the occupants begin to move toward the steering wheel or facia;
- front seat-belt unfastened detectors that tell the control unit when passengers are not wearing their seat-belts so that the airbag intervention strategy adapts to this higher-risk situation (i.e. pretensioner activation is prevented and this leads to savings when the car is repaired). 

>>> active safety

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon unveils the most sophisticated electronic devices for control of vehicle dynamic safety: from braking to traction. Namely:

- ABS complete with an electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD); 
- ASR, to limit wheel slip during acceleration and MSR to regulate braking torque while changing down; 
- ESP for the control of dynamic stability on corners; 
- Brake Assist for assistance during emergency braking. Not to mention the array of equipment designed for carrying children in complete safety. 

>>> ABS

In addition to a high-performing brake system, the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon also comes as standard with a BOSCH ABS, one of the most advanced systems available on the market today. It features four active sensors, four channels and a 12 valve control unit.

This cutting-edge ABS is complemented by an electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD) that governs braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating.

>>> ASR and MSR

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is fitted with a very sophisticated automatic traction control device to restrict drive wheel slip in the case of reduced road grip. This is known as ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and comes as standard on all versions. ASR works at any speed and prevents the drive wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to the grip coefficient detected at the time of slip.

The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) cuts in when the gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. This device restores torque to the engine to prevent the wheel skidding as a result of lock.

>>> ESP

To ensure absolute mastery of the car, Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon versions with 1.8 petrol engines are fitted with a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system (an option on the 1.6 16v and 1.9 JTD 80 and 115 bhp versions). This cuts in under bad conditions when car stability is at risk to help the driver to control the car.
To achieve this result, the ESP continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer).

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle). This is the key attribute of the device designed by Fiat Auto engineers. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible (and the drive is not therefore disturbed). The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times. The ESP is permanently engaged.

>>> Brake Assist

This is an emergency brake assist device. On versions without ESP, this is mechanical, located inside the brake servo and known as EVA (Emergency Valve Assistance). On vehicles with ESP, on the other hand, the function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is referred to as HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance). The absolutely identical services offered by both systems are highly effective.

>>> Isofix Attachments

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is fitted with ISOFIX attachments to encourage the continuous, correct use of child seats and ensure that the smallest passengers are transported in maximum safety. The attachments take the form of two pairs of brackets (located at the base of the rear seat squab) that allow child seats to be fitted and removed easily and quickly: all you have to do is click the seat into the two fastenings. The bracket sizes and settings are in accordance with European standards so that the seat can be reused on any other car.

>>> protection against break-ins & theft

>>> central locking

The centralised device that locks all the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon's doors comes with new functions that can be chosen from the My Car menu shown on the instrument panel display and selected using the MODE key on the panel to the left of the steering wheel. The customer is therefore able to customise the system by activating the various options to suit the way the car is being used at a given time. More specifically, it is possible to:

- open the driver's door alone at the first turn of the key or at the first pulse of the remote control. To unlock all the catches at the same time, all you have to do is turn the key or press the remote control twice in succession. This option is bound to appeal to people who travel alone and often get into and out of their car leaving their briefcase, house keys, mobile phone etc. on the seat; 
- decide whether to unlock the tailgate at the same time as the doors (when you need frequent access to the boot) or open only the doors leaving the boot closed - perhaps when the boot contains items that must be protected. In this last situation, the tailgate may be opened only by the owner by means of the key or the appropriate remote control button; 
- activate 'door closure at speed'. Once this option has been selected, you need worry no more about remembering to do it yourself. When the car exceeds 20 km/h, the doors and boot lock automatically. Anyone inside the car can always get out using the handles. But while you are stationary at traffic lights, potential thieves are shut out and prevented from opening the boot. You can always let you friends on board by pressing the central door unlocking key on the armrest. 

The Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon also comes with an option designed to protect you from your own memory lapses. If the doors are unlocked inadvertently after activating the locks (e.g. by fiddling with the remote control) but no-one opens a door within 30 seconds, the system reactivates the lock automatically.

>>> deadlock: double safety

One of the newest features offered by the Fiat Stilo Multi Wagon is the deadlock, a technical solution that sets the interior handle and all lock linkages to neutral. This represents a major step forward in the vehicle theft protection field: the deadlock renders any tool used by thieves to force open doors and door mechanisms ineffective.
The device comes as standard on all Fiat Stilo Multi Wagons and must be operated voluntarily (to ensure no-one is locked inside the car). Once the key has been turned once in one of the front doors or after one press on the remote control, the deadlock is engaged by turning the key a second time or pressing the remote control key again.