The latest Volkswagen Passat was tested by the IIHS for the 2016 Model Year and the car got a Top Safety Pick+ rating, the most coveted crash test rating in the U.S.
This is the highest rating awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but we must note that the vehicle specification tested by the IIHS included optional safety equipment: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (known as Front Assist).
In the IIHS' Small Overlap Front Crash test, the MY 2016 VW Passat received the highest possible rating - "good." The same score was awarded in the moderate overlap front impact, side impact, roof strength test, the ease of use for child seat anchors, and for the head restraints and seats. Without a "good" rating in IIHS's crash tests, a car isn't eligible for a Top Safety Pick Plus or Top Safety Pick rating.
Fitted with optional safety gear, the MY 2016 Passat received an "Advanced" rating for its front crash protection. Compared to the Passat's previous model years, the MY 2016 car marks an improvement in the rating of the small front overlap crash test and in the front crash prevention departments. The previous version of the car didn't have front crash prevention systems available and attained an "Average" rating in the test, as mentioned earlier.
The Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking system is standard on SE models and above in the MY 2016 Volkswagen Passat range. Customers who choose higher trim levels also get the Blind Spot Monitor (only with a warning feature) and the Rear Traffic Alert system with a braking function.
The MY 2016 Passat is also available with an Active Blind Spot Monitoring system with corrective steering, available as standard on SEL Premium models, which are also fitted with the Active Lane Departure Warning. In short, this system stops the MY 2016 Passat from side-swiping a vehicle in its blind spot while switching lanes.
Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland. Full profile
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