Volkswagen Springfield Official Blog
VW puts more focus on car safety features in 2016
By Product Expert | Posted in VW Features & Technology, VW News on Friday, September 11th, 2015 at 1:51 pm
Safest Volkswagen models for 2016
There are some things people are beginning to take for granted when it comes to shopping for a new car. Air conditioning should come standard, as should cruise control, while safety features electronic stability control and anti-theft protection are required by law. We may all expect that safety is closely mandated, but some vehicles are better for your family than others. The safest Volkswagen models for 2016 have already been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and VW is showing some impressive changes for the model year.
Volkswagen takes home Top Safety Pick+ Awards in 2016
Last year the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, Passat and Golf all brought home Top Safety Pick ratings, which are based on five criteria: a “good” rating in roof strength, side impact tests, moderate front overlaps tests and head restraint tests, and an “acceptable” rating in small overlap tests.
In 2013 the IIHS upped the ante with its new Top Safety Pick+ ratings, which add on an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention. Volkswagen has now risen to the occasion, with its optional driver assistance package earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the following models:
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
It should be noted that only the four-door models of the Golf lineup have earned an IIHS Top Safety Rating, so those concerned about family safety would be better off avoiding the two-door Golf models. They’re easier to get in and out of anyway.
What’s included in the new Volkswagen Driver Assistance Package?
In order to qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award, the above models must be equipped with the new VW Driver Assistance Packages, which costs an additional $1,495 for the Golf models and $950 for the Jetta. Both packages include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, while the Golf package adds on lane departure warning, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, park distance control and parking steering assistant.
Other VW Awards: 2015 VW Golf earns 2015 Ideal Vehicle Award
Last year the driver assistance package offered park distance control and forward collision warning, but the addition of autonomous emergency braking is what helped Volkswagen earn the extra rating from the IIHS.
An increase in premium safety feature options is just one of the benefits available for the 2016 model year. We’ll be updating more on specific upcoming models and features here at the Volkswagen of Springfield Blog, so check back here for the latest news on your favorite automaker.
