VW Multivan

The passenger compartment of the Multivan remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy readings showed good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. VW showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.  With the exception of the driver’s lower leg, protection of which was rated as adequate, protection of all critical body areas was good for both the driver and front seat passenger.  Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and analysis of the deformable barrier after the test, revealed that the Multivan would be an aggressive impact partner in a frontal collision. In the full-width rigid barrier test, all protection of all critical body areas was good or adequate. In both the side barrier test and the more severe pole impact, dummy readings indicated good protection of all critical body areas. However, inspection of the pole test vehicle revealed that one of the clips which holds the side curtain airbag to the roof rail had become detached.  The score for the head was penalised for this unintended behaviour, both in the pole test and the side barrier impact where the airbag also plays a critical role.  Control of excursion (the extent to which a body is thrown to the other side of the vehicle when it is hit from the far side) was found to be marginal. The Multivan has a counter-measure to mitigate against occupant to occupant injuries in such impacts and this performed well in Euro NCAP's test. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.  A geometric analysis of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection.   The Multivan has an advanced eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash.   The car also has a system which applies the brakes after an impact, to avoid secondary collisions.