You might think that the EuroNCAP tests are pointless now that all cars are made up to the highest standards, but it’s always good to know for sure! Also, recently in a NHTSA test the 2011 Honda Civic achieved only two stars, so… In the case of 2011 VW Passat though, the car achieved 5 stars with strong scores for adult and child occupant protection and pedestrian safety. The other model based on the same platform, the Sharan minivan also got five-star rating.
The new Passat offers new levels of safety with two pioneering assistance systems making a debut which are completely new to the segment. An automatic fatigue detection system monitors driver inputs and emits an audible and visual warning automatically to recommend a break if required, and the new city emergency braking function which is a development of the Automatic Distance Control (ADC) system.
If an unavoidable collision is sensed by the vehicle, the brakes are automatically engaged at speeds below 18 mph. The system is also able to accelerate the vehicle automatically should an imminent rear end collision be detected, providing the road ahead is clear.
Both Sharan and Passat share a comprehensive range of safety equipment as standard with optimised body-shell rigidity and highly effective airbag and driver assistance systems including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist) and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).
