ANCAP crash test results

VW Golf | 2005 -

Front + side + head airbags

Important Note: The left-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

Model history and safety features

The tested model of Volkswagen Golf was introduced in Australia during 2004 but advanced seat belt reminders were not standard on all vehicles until 2005.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. ABS brakes are also standard. Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pre-tensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point seat belt.

Overall evaluation:

The VW Golf scored 12.83 out of 16 in the offset crash test. Protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver and there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and passenger.

The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. A further 2 points were scored in the optional pole test. Two bonus points for advanced seat belt reminders gained the vehicle a 5 star rating.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4pts, chest 3.76pts, upper legs 2pts, lower legs 3.07pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 13mm and the accelerator pedal moved downwards 17mm. The steering wheel hub moved forwards 51mm, downwards 15mm and sideways 5mm. The front ("A") pillar moved 5mm rearwards. The width of the driver's doorway shortened by 5mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash high manual effort was required to open the driver’s door.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Dash components were a potential source of injury for the driver's knees.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4pts, chest 4pts, abdomen 4pts, pelvis 4pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test. Euro NCAP reports that the first test was disappointing but, after improvements were made, the vehicle earned a further two points in a re-run of the test.

Injury measurements

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: 2 pts Seat belt reminders: 2 pst

Pedestrian rating (V4.1):

18.83 points out of 36 (5.5%)

Child head impacts 4.93 pts; adult head impacts 4 pts; upper leg 4.46 pts and lower leg impacts5.44 pts.

ANCAP one-page printable version (PDF 30 KB)

Page created: 22 March 2005