The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.

Location of side airbag in driver's seat

The side airbags are located in the backrest padding of the front seats ⇒ fig. 218. The locations of the airbags are marked with the word “AIRBAG”.

In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the side airbags give the occupants additional protection for the whole upper part of the body (i.e. the chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of a severe side collision ⇒ in “Important safety notes on the side airbag system” on page 206.

In a side collision the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the areas of the body facing the impact.

If the side airbags are activated, the head-protection airbags (sideguard system) are always triggered at the same time for additional protection on the side of the vehicle facing the impact.