VW Golf gets five ANCAP stars again

THE seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf has been awarded the maximum five star safety rating by crash-test authority ANCAP.

Volkswagen’s all-new Golf follows in the footsteps of the fifth- and sixth-generation models, which were also awarded the maximum safety rating.

While the Golf performed well in physical testing it can be specified with a variety of systems that help avoid collisions in the first place.

The standard multi-collision braking system prevents secondary impacts by applying the brakes after a crash, while optional adaptive cruise control and city emergency braking reduce the likelihood – or severity – of a collision.

Due to the presence of these safety assist technologies (SAT), the Golf exceeds mandatory safety requirements.

ANCAP Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh remarked that the Golf is not the only Volkswagen to have performed well in testing.

“Almost all current Volkswagen passenger vehicles rated by ANCAP hold the maximum five star ANCAP safety rating. For commercial buyers, the Amarok also scores top marks."In rating the Golf, ANCAP used data from its European equivalent, ENCAP.

In the frontal offset impact test the Golf scored an almost perfect 15.92 points out of 16, dropping a few points for protection to the driver’s lower leg, despite the presence of a driver’s knee airbag.

During the test the Golf’s passenger compartment held its shape well, with all doors remaining closed and able to be opened with normal effort afterwards, while pedal and steering wheel movements were “well controlled”.

A maximum 16 out of 16 was scored in the side impact test, with a maximum two points from the pole test, while whiplash protection was deemed “good”.

Pedestrian protection was rated “acceptable”, with maximum points for leg protection and high scores for child’s head protection but the bonnet’s leading edge provided marginal protection and protection from areas likely to be hit by an adult’s head were considered “predominantly poor or marginal”.

Destructive ANCAP testing assess a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants when involved in a collision and is supported by the Australian Government, all Australian motoring clubs, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission and the FIA Foundation.