Volkswagen Passat (2005-) Review

Safety and Security

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The Passat's passive safety starts with a very strong passenger cell to limit intrusion into the cabin in the event of a collision. There are dual-phase front airbags that respond to the severity of the impact, active headrests that aim to minimise whiplash injury, belt tighteners and side impact airbags. The effects of side impact collisions, which VW says are the most dangerous because of the comparative lack of lateral crumple zone, are minimised with a very strong high-tensile steel B-pillar that passes the impact energy on to the sills and roof frame.

The Passat now uses an LED light system for brake and indicator lights. These have the advantage of activating slightly quicker than conventional bulb lights, as well as having a longer service life. Also, the hazard flashers are automatically activated at speeds above 40mph if the car brakes at more than seven metres per second or the ABS is activated for more than two seconds.

The Passat is also equipped with an electronic stability programme that helps the car keep to its intended cornering line if under or oversteer becomes a problem. There is even a facility in the programme, through brake and engine intervention, to help stop a trailer 'yawing' out of control.

The Passat's parking brake is an electromechanical unit that uses a button instead of a lever. This system incorporates a very handy 'hill hold' function that disconnects automatically as you pull away. And interestingly, VW is one of the first makers with an electromechanical brake system to draw deliberate attention to the fact that 'the law says that a car must be able to be stopped by the parking brake in the event of a main brake system failure (which is almost impossible).' We tried a couple of stops using the handbrake button from 70mph and found it hugely effective, just nibbling at the edges of the ABS zone. Amusing, too.