The new Volkswagen Passat has earned the highest accolade of five stars from the prestigious Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), distinguishing it as one of the top-rated mid-sized models of 2024. This marks the third time the Passat has achieved this honor, following its previous top ratings in 2010 and 2014.
Now in its ninth generation, the Volkswagen Passat continues its legacy as a best-seller, available exclusively as an estate model. The latest iteration impressed Euro NCAP experts with its array of advanced safety features. The rigorous Euro NCAP safety assessment, an independent evaluation for consumer protection, includes four categories: the Passat excelled in Adult Occupant Protection with a 93 percent rating, and also performed admirably in Child Occupant Protection (87 percent), Vulnerable Road Users (83 percent), and Safety Assist (80 percent).
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Even at its base level, the Passat comes equipped with numerous standard assist systems at no additional cost. These include Side Assist (lane change system), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), ACC stop & go (Adaptive Cruise Control), oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals for obstacles), Rear View (rear camera system), Dynamic Road Sign Display using the front camera, as well as LED headlights and tail light clusters.
A standout feature is the Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, enhancing protection for vulnerable road users in potential collision scenarios. The exit warning system, within its operational limits, prevents occupants from opening doors when an oncoming road user, such as a cyclist or motorcyclist, is detected, providing both acoustic and visual alerts.
The Passat also features Car2X technology, enabling the vehicle to communicate with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure about local hazards. This makes the Passat a versatile choice for both business and family use, with particular attention to child safety. In Euro NCAP’s frontal and side impact tests, the Passat demonstrated excellent protection for critical body areas of child dummies, earning the maximum score.
Since 2023, Euro NCAP has implemented stricter test criteria, including the ability to detect children left in the car— a requirement the new Passat generation meets.
With a history spanning over 50 years and more than 34 million units sold, the Passat continues to thrive, especially as an estate model. In Germany, the Passat Variant led the mid-sized class rankings in 2023 with 45,494 new registrations.
For more detailed information on the Euro NCAP test results, visit www.euroncap.com.
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