Euro NCAP

All our cars go through a comprehensive programme of crash tests, before they are launched onto the market. We also welcome Euro NCAP's tough independent crash tests which are carried out on many of our cars. Euro NCAP aims to encourage manufacturers1 (disclaimer) to go further and make their cars even safer.

Who are Euro NCAP?

Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Programme) is a respected motoring standards body that carries out tough crash tests on new cars. These include front and side impact crash tests and assessments of child protection and pedestrian safety. The aim is to give drivers - and the motoring industry - a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Euro NCAP is backed by five European governments, the European Commission and motoring and consumer organisations in every EU country and is seen as one of the most important benchmarks for the passive safety of cars today.

So if you want to know the safety performance of your current car - or one you are thinking of buying - this is where to look.

How do we perform?

The latest tests carried out by Euro NCAP awarded many of our cars with a maximum 5-star overall safety rating. To see the full details of each test visit the Euro NCAP website.

As of 2009, Euro NCAP only releases one overall star rating for each car tested, with a maximum of five stars. This is made up of scores in four areas: adult protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist. The overall rating is calculated from the four scores, while making sure that no one area is under-achieving. The crash tests are the same as before, except for the addition of a test for whiplash neck injury protection in a rear impact. Euro NCAP also now rewards not only seatbelt reminders, but also speed limiters and the standard fitting of electronic stability control, such as our ESP system. The up! was also awarded with the Euro NCAP advance 2011 award for its City Emergency Braking feature.

What does that mean for you?

Safety will always be a vital factor when you come to choose a new car. So checking your new Volkswagen's Euro NCAP rating will give you extra peace of mind.