Top safety rating for five-star Golf

The new Volkswagen Golf has passed the Euro NCAP safety rating with flying colours, scoring a maximum five stars.

The Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash test agency awarded the Golf, which is set to go on sale in January next year, with 36 out of a possible 37 points for occupant protection and it also achieved four stars for child safety.

The older model already boasted high safety levels, but Volkswagen has added an extra knee airbag for the driver to bring the total number of airbags to seven. A new head restraint system designed to reduce whiplash injuries has also been fitted.

The new model boasts sharper handling, sleek looks and even better levels of interior quality and prices start at £13,150. A low emissions Bluemotion model will be available later in 2009, emitting just 99g/km of CO2, with GTi versions following soon after.

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