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Volkswagen New Beetle

2004-10 models

SIDE IMPACT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Poor

	Injury measures			Head protection	Structure/safety cage
	Head/neck	Torso	Pelvis/leg	Head protection	Structure/safety cage
Driver
Rear passenger

Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.

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Test details:

The Volkswagen New Beetle was reincarnated for the 1998 model year. Front seat-mounted side torso airbags were standard initially and were upgraded to front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags beginning with 2004 models.

Injury measures:

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures likely in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis would also be likely. In addition, loading of the shoulder was excessive.

Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection:

Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side airbag that deployed from the seat.

Rear passenger — The dummy's head was hit by the pillar behind the rear side window. This pillar is required by federal standard to provide some protection for occupants' heads.

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

Left to right:

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.
View of the vehicle after the crash with the door removed, showing the side airbag and damage to the occupant compartment.
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbag.
Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was hit by the pillar behind the rear side window.

Additional features:

Side airbags: front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags (2004-10 models)
Electronic stability control (standard on 2006-10 models, optional on 2002-05 models)
Antilock brakes
Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2-door
Class: Small car
Weight: 2,853 lbs.
Side airbags: standard front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
Wheelbase: 99 in.
Length: 161 in.
Width: 68 in.
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
EPA ratings: 22 mpg city | 31 mpg highway

See all test results for Volkswagen New Beetle

Last updated: November 16, 2010