Can they be deactivated as I want to fit a child car seat and it states that it is not to be fitted with an air bag, though does this include rear side air bags.

I did a lot of research when spec'ing my rear side airbags. No one will give you a definitive answer but after reviewing as much info as I could, I made the decision that they were safer with them than without them. The design of the car seat keeps the child a certain distance from the air bag, so they would be safer than a child or adult sitting right next to the door. Here's a link http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/faqs/#side

Edited 31 December, 201312 yr by artichoke273

Thank you, that is the conclusion I have come also after doing a lot of reading with the manufactures and Which magazine. It usually just says "not" with an air bag but as you say without defining it.

It is not so clear what 'rear' airbag is mentioned in the first post. In the rear there are side airbags - so called air curtains - and those are standard in Superb as well as in many other new cars (Octavia in this particular picture).

 

 

Also in Superb you can add rear side airbag as an option: 

 

 

 

None of those rear airbags have standard switch off option. Only the front passenger airbag has to be switched of - as it can harm a child if he's placed in front seat. And there are so many warnings in the car as well in car manual about that. From other hand - neither car manufacturer neither any of safety organizations are not saying clearly that rear side airbags are dangerous. If they would - I believe it would be warnings all over the place and also switch off will be installed. Car companies would be in courts immediately if child would be injured due to airbag. So that is my logic and that's why I put also rear side airbag (optional) to my future Superb.

Side airbags are safe with child seats, I did a load of research into it myself. They don't present the same danger as front airbags as they don't project out towards the child. I would always spec every safety option on a new car.

Thankyou all for the above and a happy new year to you.

Hello I have an isofix rear seat in current car with side airbags for my grandson rearward facing till 4 year old. The research i did was that rearward facing child seat couldnt be in front seat with passenger air bag active, but no mentions on side airbags. The euro ncap tests even show the curtain airbags in rear going off with child seats next to them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uayRqZIJyOs Yes i know octavia but is a current 2013 model

 

Also here specific mention of side airbags http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing/airbags.htm

Thanks HM65 that confirms some of the above points and my own research and more importantly eases my mind for our grandson.