New Volkswagen Jetta Earns 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating

The Jetta already has the IIHS Top Safety Pick trophy in its case, but it definitely won’t hurt its sale if it adds another: Euro NCAP’s five-star rating. In the latest batch of tests, the model equipped with a 1.2 TSI engine scored well in both adult and child protection but was let down by the lack of a warning system and by the fact that ESP is offered as an optional extra in some third world countries.

A total of 34 points were received in adult occupant protection (94 percent rating), 15.2 of which came from the front impact test and 8 from the side impact.

“The Jetta scored maximum points for its performance in the side barrier test. In the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest was rated as marginal, based on dummy readings of rib deflection. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision,” Euro NCAP states.

The Jetta scored maximum points for its protection of both the 18 month and the 3 year infant. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position, yet the tests show that information provided to the driver about the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear.

The bumper scored maximum points, providing good protection for pedestrians' legs at all points tested.

“It is standard equipment throughout the remainder of Europe and its sales as standard are expected to exceed Euro NCAP's 2011 requirement of 95 percent. A seatbelt reminder is standard equipment for the driver and front passenger seats. There is no speed limitation device available for the Jetta,” the safety assist tests found.