Volkswagen Passat Review

Volkswagen Passat

Side-on collision

This form of collision is considered the most dangerous, even if the impact speed is very low, as lateral crumple zones are smaller than those at the front and rear of a car's structure. This is one of the reasons why the B-pillar is the most important structural component. Those on the Passat are produced from high-tensile sheet metals, and divert a large amount of the force transmitted by a collision into the runners and roof frame. Both these elements are also manufactured from high-tensile metal, in this case shape-hardened steels. The seating crossbeams and roof frame reinforce the passenger cell on the opposite side of the vehicle, resulting in increased rigidity. The doors, strengthened by diagonal impact bars, are also designed to absorb crash energy, thus reducing risk of injury.

Rear collision

In order to ensure best possible crash performance at the rear, protecting the fuel system was a top priority. The creation of a new position for the filler neck in front of the rear axle was an important development.

Pedestrian protection

The Passat’s consideration for pedestrian protection includes numerous design features at the front of the vehicle. Structural parts at the front of the car are located to assist pedestrian protection. An additional protective crossbeam and deformation insulating foam in the bumper region further help in reducing the risk of injury to pedestrians.

Knee impact area

The new press and drive starting and locking system enables the electronic steering lock to be positioned independently from the ignition lock. The latter no longer has to be located in the knee impact area making the use of a so-called knee airbag totally redundant. The steering column has been newly designed for the same reason.

Dual-stage front airbags

The front airbags now have dual-stage activation, which means that they react with a different degree of intensity depending on the severity of the collision. Additionally the passenger airbag can be switched off to allow a child seat to be fitted to the front passenger seat.

Belt-up request

As with all new Volkswagen models, the new Passat is fitted with a control system, which requests driver and passengers to fasten their seatbelts both acoustically and with the aid of warning lights. The ‘seatbelt reminder system’ is activated from speeds exceeding 10 km/h (approximately 6 mph).

Active head restraints

Driver and passenger seats are also fitted with active head restraints, which move towards the head in the event of a rear collision, thus reducing the risk of whiplash. Additionally, seatbelt pre-tensioners in the front ensure that they are in the best possible position immediately after impact but before the occupants begin to move forwards.

ESP

The new-generation ESP system developed for the Passat has a range of features designed to have a direct and positive effect on active safety, including:

• ABS - Anti-lock Braking System
• AEM - Adaptive Engagement Model. The car is continuously monitored, even when travelling in a stable manner, so that the system can take fast corrective action if instability occurs
• ASR - Traction Control
• EBD - Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• EDL - Electronic Differential Lock
• Trailer stabilisation
• BAS - Brake Assist System

Volkswagen Passat