2016 VW Passat Earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Thanks To Advanced New Safety Features

Discussion in 'In the News' started by xcel, Dec 13, 2015.

  1. xcel

    xcel PZEV, there's nothing like it :) Staff Member

    [​IMG] One of the best handling values in the Midsize segment adds a top crash test rating to its accolades.

    Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Dec. 10, 2015

    2016 VW Passat IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating Detailed.

    The refreshed 2016 VW Passat when equipped with the all-new optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) system, has been awarded a 2016 Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    For 2016, all refreshed 2016 Passats are equipped with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System designed to reduce additional collisions after the first impact. The system applies the brakes after a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, reduce the chance of additional damage.
    All 2016 Passat models have rearview cameras as standard equipment.
    The 2016 Passat recently underwent the IIHS Small Overlap Front Crash test and received the highest possible rating of “good”. The Passat receives a fully reinforced structure, building on the model’s “good” ratings in the Institute's other crashworthiness tests.

    The Passat is equipped with the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard and is available with the following advanced driver assistance features:

    • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
    • Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist),
    • Active Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist)
    • Passive and active Blind Spot Monitor (dependent on trim level)
    • Rear Traffic Alert with braking
    The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating is given to vehicles that have achieved good ratings in the moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests and have earned an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention system performance.

    The IIHS three-tier advanced collision system rating program, models with optional or standard front crash prevention systems are rated as superior, advanced or basic. Ratings are determined by whether the vehicles have available front crash prevention systems, and, if so, how it performs in 12 and 25 mph autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning tests. To assess the performance, points are awarded based on the braking and warning performance in the tests. Vehicles that have a warning system only earn a basic rating, provided the system meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performance criteria.

    The Passat’s Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) system uses a millimeter wave radar sensor to help monitor the distance of traffic ahead of the vehicle. Within physical system limits, Front Assist helps alert the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a clear warning symbol in the instrument cluster above 19 mph, and, if necessary, braking is initiated to slow the vehicle. If the driver fails to apply the brakes, the system autonomously applies them; if the pedal is engaged but the driver brakes too lightly, the pressure is increased by the system (braking support). Below 19 mph, the vehicle applies the brakes and warns the driver simultaneously.

    The Test Results

    Structure - The driver space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 10 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 6 cm at the instrument panel.

    Injury measures - Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

    Restraints and dummy kinematics - The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso to the extent the head hit the steering wheel rim. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.

    [​IMG]

    The 2016 Passat is currently on sale at Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) is standard on SE models and above. SE w/ Technology models and higher trim levels feature standard Blind Spot Monitor (warning only) and Rear Traffic Alert with braking. The active Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) system is standard on SEL Premium models, which are also equipped with the Active Blind Spot Monitoring system with corrective steering.


    We have one scheduled for just after Christmas unless other last minute drives arise.
     

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