A HIGH level of both passive and active safety resides within the new C-class. Designed to score a five-star crash test result, the highly rigid new chassis contains frontal crash boxes that absorb the energy from impacts up to 15km/h, with the bumpers themselves designed to absorb impacts of up to 4km/h. Borrowed from the S-class, adaptive two-stage front airbags also take into account the needs of low-impact crashes, and combine with four side airbags and two full-length windowbags to total eight airbags. Of course, all five seating positions offer three-point seatbelts, each with height/tilt adjustable head restraints, all but the centre rear comprising belt force limiters and the front units with manual anchor point height adjustment. Active safety features include standard ABS, ESP stability control and Brake Assist. After an accident, the doors are automatically unlocked and the hazard lights switched on. The parking brake remains a foot operated system.