THE carmaker that pioneered the three-point seatbelt and the collapsible steering column is unveiling what it calls the world's biggest 'airbag' in Singapore this weekend.

But Volvo isn't referring to the inflatable safety restraint system found in steering wheels and dashboards. Rather, the Swedish carmaker is talking about a giant cushion it has created to demonstrate the safety features in its cars.

Among other things, Volvo came up with the three-point seatbelt in 1959 and the collapsible steering column in 1973. It has introduced so many other innovations that its brand name is synonymous with safety.

So it is not surprising that the carmaker has set up a huge airconditioned marquee near Woodlands Avenue 12 to demonstrate the latest safety equipment in its S80 saloon.

The event, which began on Thursday and ends tomorrow, is by invitation only.

Guests will not just get to view various safety exhibits, they will also have a chance to drive the flagship S80 around a closed road to experience one of its most important safety features - Collision Warning with Brake Support.

The system was developed to help avoid rear-end collisions or, in the worst case scenario, minimise the effect of such collisions.

Enter the giant cushion. A Volvo V70 estate has been modified to carry a metal arm on its roof. The arm extends over the left side of the car and from the other end, a huge inflated cushion is suspended. As the V70 moves, the giant cushion simulates a car in the next lane.

As you drive the S80 behind the moving cushion, the Collision Warning system will detect the object in front through a radar sensor (metal foil has been attached to the rear side of the cushion so that the radar can bounce off it).

Depending on the driver, a long, normal or short warning distance can be set so that if the car in front is too close, the system activates both an audible signal (an urgent beeping) and a red flashing light on the windscreen.

These audio-visual warnings give the driver sufficient time to react by slowing down or braking. If no action is taken and the risk of a collision increases, the system primes the brakes by placing the brake pads closer to the brake discs, and hydraulically reinforcing the brake pressure to ensure optimum stopping power.

And when the driver does brake hard, the hazard lights will automatically start flashing to warn the cars behind; it only goes off when the driver accelerates. Don't worry about actually hitting the cushion though - a Swedish instructor from the Volvo Driving Academy in Gothenburg will be in the car.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Radar is also employed for this feature, which helps the driver maintain a safe driving distance from the car ahead. The radar sensor continuously measures the distance to the vehicle in front and automatically adapts the speed of the S80.

After cruise control is activated, the driver sets the desired maximum speed, between 30 and 200 kmh, and chooses the minimum time interval, in seconds, from a car in front.

Volvo's aim is to let Adaptive Cruise Control handle part of the routine driving so that the driver can focus farther ahead and enjoy a great safety margin.

BLIS

This doesn't refer to the extreme happiness one experiences when driving a brand new car but rather to Blind Spot Information System. When cameras beside the door mirrors pick up a car or motorcycle in the blind spot alongside the S80, a warning light beside the mirror is immediately activated to alert the driver.

Both new and experienced drivers can benefit from this clever device. For the former, who may be unaware of such dangers, it can be a useful safety device. And the latter, already acquainted with the blind spot, will find it a convenient feature.

Personal Car Communicator

Unlike the other vehicle safety features, this particular Volvo innovation is about personal safety. It's a pocket-size intelligent remote control that gives an S80 owner information such as whether the door is locked or if the alarm is activated.

It can even indicate if someone is in the car, using a heartbeat sensor. So the S80 isn't just safe, it's also intelligent.