Side airbags for VW Passat

VOLKSWAGEN has made safety and security upgrades to the Passat range from this month, with price increases of up to $1000.

Model year 2000 Passats will have side airbags fitted as standard, as will the Golf GTi which has gone up in price by $400 to $44,390.

The Passat, which topped its class in recent NRMA security tests, now also gets an alarm with an internal sensor.

Other changes include an enhanced trip computer across the range, addition of a 12-volt boot socket and extension of remote central locking to the entry level 1.8-litre model.

The side airbags are mounted to the outside edge of the front seats to protect the occupants regardless of seat adjustment.

"Volkswagen places a strong emphasis on safety," VW Australia managing director Mr Ewan Ramsay said while announcing the 2000 model year changes.

"There is an extensive list of safety features that are standard on each vehicle and the addition of side airbags further enhances our commitment to safety." Passat prices now range from $42,990 for the 20-valve engine to $65,990 for the V6 Syncro.