2021 Volkswagen Golf - IIHS

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• 2021 Volkswagen Golf 4-door hatchback

2021 Volkswagen Golf

small car / 4-door hatchback

Crashworthiness

Rating overview

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side	G
Small overlap front: passenger-side	A
Moderate overlap front: original test	G
Side: original test	G
Roof strength	G
Head restraints & seats	G

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights	P
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Standard system	Superior
Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)
Standard system	Advanced

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use	A

Other available safety features

• Standard blind spot detection
• Standard rear automatic braking

Key

GGoodAAcceptableMMarginalPPoorSuperiorAdvancedBasic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Test types

• Small overlap front: driver-side
• Small overlap front: passenger-side
• Moderate overlap front: original test
• Side: original test
• Roof strength
• Head restraints & seats
• Headlights
• Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
• Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)
• Child seat anchors

Small overlap front: driver-side

Tested vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen GTI 4-doorRating applies to 2015-21 models

The Volkswagen Golf and GTI were redesigned for the 2015 model year. The small overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Golf, known as the Golf SportWagen, introduced in the 2015 model year as a replacement for the Jetta SportWagen. Similarly, the ratings apply to the 4-wheel-drive variant of the wagon, the Golf Alltrack, introduced in the 2017 model year.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	G
Structure and safety cage	G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck	G
Chest	G
Hip/thigh	G
Lower leg/foot	G
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics The dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but nearly slid off the left side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso. The side curtain airbag deployed and had sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.	A

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1422
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	10
Footrest (cm)	7
Left toepan (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	1
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	3
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Upper dash (cm)	7
Lower instrument panel (cm)	6

Driver injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1422
Head
HIC-15	243
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.7
Extension bending moment (Nm)	17
Maximum Nij	0.31
Chest maximum compression (mm)	24
Femur (kN)
Left	1.1
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.55
Right	0.53
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	3.1
Right	0.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	75
Right	38

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Tested vehicle: 2016 Volkswagen GTI 4-doorRating applies to 2015-21 models

The Volkswagen Golf and GTI were redesigned for the 2015 model year. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Volkswagen.

The passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Golf, known as the Golf SportWagen, introduced in the 2015 model year as a replacement for the Jetta SportWagen. Similarly, the ratings apply to the 4-wheel-drive variant of the wagon, the Golf Alltrack, introduced in the 2017 model year.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	A
Structure and safety cage	A
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck	G
Chest	G
Hip/thigh	G
Lower leg/foot	G
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the right side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.	M
Driver injury measures
Head/neck	G
Chest	G
Hip/thigh	G
Lower leg/foot	G
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics	G

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1725
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	13
Footrest (cm)	9
Right toepan (cm)	5
Center toepan (cm)	3
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	2
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	9
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	11
Upper dash (cm)	12
Right lower dash (cm)	11

Passenger injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1725
Head
HIC-15	165
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.5
Extension bending moment (Nm)	15
Maximum Nij	0.27
Chest maximum compression (mm)	26
Femur (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	3.9
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	4
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.49
Right	0.29
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.2
Right	1.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	65
Right	65

Driver injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1725
Head
HIC-15	159
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	29
Maximum Nij	0.19
Chest maximum compression (mm)	33
Femur (kN)
Left	0.1
Right	0.4
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.35
Right	0.25
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.5
Right	1.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	48
Right	44

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Tested vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen GTI 4-doorRating applies to 2015-21 models

The Volkswagen Golf and GTI were redesigned for the 2015 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Volkswagen.

The moderate overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Golf, known as the Golf SportWagen, introduced in the 2015 model year as a replacement for the Jetta SportWagen. Similarly, the ratings apply to the 4-wheel-drive variant of the wagon, the Golf Alltrack, introduced in the 2017 model year.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	G
Structure and safety cage	G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck	G
Chest	G
Leg/foot, left	G
Leg/foot, right	A
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics	G

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1401
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	3
Left (cm)	4
Center (cm)	2
Right (cm)	1
Brake pedal (cm)	2
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-2
Rearward (cm)	-7
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Driver injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1401
Head
HIC-15	301
Peak gs at hard contact	26
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.9
Extension bending moment (Nm)	43
Maximum Nij	0.33
Chest maximum compression (mm)	33
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.2
Femur force - right (kN)	0.3
Knee displacement - left (mm)	0
Knee displacement - right (mm)	0
Maximum tibia index - left	0.37
Maximum tibia index - right	0.98
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.7
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	1.9
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	95
Right	82

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Tested vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen GTI 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbagsRating applies to 2015-21 models

The Volkswagen Golf and GTI were redesigned for the 2015 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Volkswagen.

The side crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Golf, known as the Golf SportWagen, introduced in the 2015 model year as a replacement for the Jetta SportWagen. Similarly, the ratings apply to the 4-wheel-drive variant of the wagon, the Golf Alltrack, introduced in the 2017 model year.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	G
Structure and safety cage	G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck	G
Torso	G
Pelvis/leg	A
Driver head protection	G
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck	G
Torso	G
Pelvis/leg	G
Rear passenger head protection	G

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID	VTS1402
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-22.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Driver injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1402
Head HIC-15	154
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.0
Compression (kN)	0.5
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	43
Lateral force (kN)	1.2
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	34
Average deflection (mm)	32
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.67
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.40
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	2.1
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.7
Combined force (kN)	3.6
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.8
L-M moment (Nm)	266
A-P moment (Nm)	41

Passenger injury measures

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1402
Head HIC-15	112
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	0.1
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	43
Lateral force (kN)	1.5
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	37
Average deflection (mm)	31
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.47
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.44
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.3
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.8
Combined force (kN)	2.8
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.0
L-M moment (Nm)	65
A-P moment (Nm)	28

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Tested vehicle: 2015 Volkswagen GTI 4-doorRating applies to 2015-21 models

Rating applies to the GTI 4-door (tested), Golf 4-door, and the structurally similar Golf SportWagen and Golf Alltrack.

Overall evaluation	G
Curb weight	3,166 lbs
Peak force	18,303 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	5.78

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power leather seat

Overall evaluation	G
Dynamic rating	G
Seat/head restraint geometry	G

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power leather seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	29
Distance below top of head (mm)	12
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	15.1
Head contact time (ms)	60
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	6
Max neck tension (N)	397

About the head restraint & seat testCurrently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Trim level(s): All trims

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating	P
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination

Low beams On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	All trims
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2018-21 models	P

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	63.6 m	None
Straightaway left edge	36.7 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	47.5 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	38.5 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	41.7 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	36.5 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	124.4 m
Straightaway left edge	116.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	61.2 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	60.9 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	49.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	46.7 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

• standard Front Assist (with Autonomous Emergency Braking)
• standard Front Assist (with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring)

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	SuperiorSuperior
Applies to 2019-21 models

• This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
• In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
• In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

About the original front crash prevention test

Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)

System details

• standard Front Assist (with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring)

Overall evaluation	AdvancedAdvanced
This rating applies to all 2019-21 models

Crossing child

• In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
• In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 16 mph.

Crossing adult

• In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
• In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult

• In the 25 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow.
• In the 37 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow. A warning was issued 0.1 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2016-21 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	A
Vehicle trim	SE TSI
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware. It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

1 2 3

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
	Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
not too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors
2
	Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
	Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
not too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Seat position 213

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Seat position 222

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Seat position 231

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation