HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS
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Volkswagen Jetta sedan

2005-10 models built after November 2004

results also apply to: 2010-13 Volkswagen Golf | 2010-13 Volkswagen GTI | 2009-13 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen | 2006-09 Volkswagen Rabbit

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage Injury measures Restraints/dummy kinematics
Head/neck Chest Leg/foot, left Leg/foot, right
Good Good Good Good Marginal Good

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Marginal Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Volkswagen Jetta sedan was redesigned during the 2005 model year. The new design entered production in December 2004, and the earlier design, which is classified as a small car, was produced through October 2004. Note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door.

The frontal offset crash test ratings also apply to the hatchback version of the Jetta, called the Volkswagen Rabbit for the 2006-09 model years and its restyled successor, the Volkswagen Golf and its sporty variant, the Volkswagen GTI, beginning with the 2010 model year. The Rabbit, Golf, and GTI are classified as small cars due their shorter overall lengths and lower weights. The ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Jetta, called the Jetta SportWagen, beginning with 2009 models.

Beginning with the 2011 model year, these ratings do NOT apply to the Volkswagen Jetta sedan, which was redesigned again. However, the ratings still apply to the Jetta Sportwagen, which remains essentially the same as 2009-10 models, and the Golf and GTI.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that lower leg injuries would be possible. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was low.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

  • Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
  • The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
  • Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the roof rail during rebound. Head acceleration from this hit was low.
  • Intrusion into the driver's space was minimal (shown with carpeting removed).

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard); rear seat-mounted torso airbags (optional)
  • Driver knee airbag: a separate airbag in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes (beginning with all 2013 Jetta SportWagen models and 2013 Golf and GTI models built after August 2012)
  • Electronic stability control (standard beginning with 2009 models, optional on 2005-08 models manufactured after November 2004)
  • Antilock brakes
  • Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Value Edition 4-door
  • Class: Midsize moderately priced car
  • Weight: 3,214 lbs.
  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Wheelbase: 102 in.
  • Length: 179 in.
  • Width: 69 in.
  • Engine: 2.5 L 5-cylinder
  • EPA ratings: 22 mpg city | 30 mpg highway

See all test results for Volkswagen Jetta sedan | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen GTI | Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen | Volkswagen Rabbit

Last updated: October 23, 2012

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