Detroit Report Part 2: The Ford Freestyle in Detail

Dual-stage airbags for front passenger and driver are included, plus the front seats have an occupant classification system to determine whether a small child or adult is in the seat, said Vulcan, who before joining Ford of North America was responsible

The Freestyle can be equipped with an optional "Safety Canopy," a side curtain airbag system that can protect all three rows of seats in the event of a vehicle rollover. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

for the Volvo S60 and V60 programs. With the front seat occupant classification system and other sensors determining the level of the crash, the safety system's computer will decide whether or not to deploy the airbags and with what force level. This can also save thousands in unnecessary repair costs.

Next, the Freestyle can be equipped with an optional "Safety Canopy," a side curtain airbag system that can protect all three rows of seats in the event of a vehicle rollover. Ford's former parts division, now

Is the 200-hp 3.0-liter V-6 engine too little for the seven passenger vehicle? Thanks to the new continuously variable transmission, it shouldn't be an issue. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Visteon Corp., first developed the safety canopy using cold gas inflators so the airbag would remained deployed for up to six seconds--the length of time of a typical rollover event--to help cushion passengers from the crash forces and keep them from being ejected out of a vehicle's side windows, where the vehicle could roll on top of them.

Initially, the safety canopy only could protect two rows of seats and the technology was sold to Swedish supplier Autoliv. Other automakers and suppliers have developed "side curtain" airbags that almost provide the same kind of protection.