2020 VW Passat - Safety explained

Volkswagen recently launched the updated Passat in the country. The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lineup has been reduced to a solo variant, while the two grades from the previous version are no longer part of the carline. It is now available with a single Elegance grade, powered by VW’s TSI turbocharged unit conjunct to a DSG 7-speed gearbox.

As for changes, styling tweaks are visible outside, though all subtle changes such as the twin-slat grille, reworked air-intakes, and LED daytime running lights that are now positioned just above the new LED headlamps with changed graphics. At the side, there are chunky 18-inch alloys, and rear comes with the new tail-lamps with three L-shaped graphics.

On the inside, the new Passat features prominent changes, and amazing features like three-zone climate control, a large 9.2-inch touchscreen Discover Pro Infotainment system with eight speakers, reverse camera, Wireless AppConnect system compatible with Apple CarPlay among several others. With safety taking centre stage, the passenger vehicles come equipped with an array of active and passive safety features. Speaking of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat specs sheet boasts a long list of safety features; this article deals with the standard and some prominent safety features that new Passat offers.

Before we begin, let us go through the 2020 Volkswagen Passat specs sheet and price details -

2020 Volkswagen Passat specifications & engine details

Engine	2.0TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol 4-cylinder
Power	190 PS
Torque	320 Nm
Transmission	DSG 7-speed direct shift gearbox

2020 Volkswagen Passat Price in Malaysia

Variant	Price
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance	189,012

2020 Volkswagen Passat Safety Suite

Belonging to Volkswagen stable, the new Passat brims with a host of advanced safety amenities, some of which are explained below.

More Airbags

Aside from the driver and co-passenger airbags (deactivatable), the new Passat equips side-airbags and curtain airbags. Airbags are seen are a solid preventive measure in case of collision, which acts as an energy-absorbing surface between occupants and the steering wheel, instrument panel, windshield, body pillar and headliner. This feature is commonly found in passenger vehicle these days, though most vehicles make do with the dual front airbags, while very few come with side and curtain airbag units.

Anti-skid regulator

Anti-skid regulator is a secondary safety feature, commonly known as the traction control system. It works with the anti-lock braking system in vehicles and helps maintain friction between the wheels and surface through an electro-hydraulic system. This technology controls engine and brakes if the wheels slip due to excessive use of acceleration by the driver, or if the road conditions are adverse.

Engine drag torque control

The engine drag torque control is a system which prevents wheels of your vehicle from locking on slippery surfaces as the driver takes the foot off accelerator suddenly or shifts down a gear abruptly. It could cause the wheels to skid as they lose traction temporarily, due to sudden braking effect of the engine. The engine drag torque control comes into action in such situations, maintaining directional stability of the vehicle. It sends a signal to the engine in case of wheel slip to increase engine torque until the speed of driven wheels is proportioned with the vehicle’s speed.

Intelligent crash response system

An intelligent crash response system activates when the vehicle senses a collision. The airbags and the intelligent crash response system are triggered automatically depending on the impact of the collision. It then unlocks vehicle’s doors, sets-off hazard lights and disables fuel pump. This is an important feature which helps passengers exit the vehicle with ease by unlocking the doors automatically.

Rear traffic alert

The rear traffic alert is extremely useful when driving in congested roads or parking a vehicle in cramped places as it makes you aware of the vehicles approaching from the back. This system works through sensors at the back and alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected through a warning tone or flashing light on the mirrors or dashboard.

Side assist lane change system

It is a driver assistance system which provides support for lane changing. This system helps detect vehicles approaching from behind the cars and blind spots at the sides. It works through two radar systems at the rear and alerts the driver by lighting the symbol in the respective door mirror. This system is activated at the speeds of 30 km/h or higher.

In addition to the above-mentioned safety features, the new Passat also comes with the below-listed amenities -

• Anti-lock-braking system
• Brake assist
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Anti-theft alarm system with immobilizer, interior monitoring and towing protection
• Driver alert system (rest assist)

• Electronic stability control
• Hill hold control
• ISOFIX child seat anchoring system with top tether
• Proactive passenger protection system

• Safety-optimised front head restraints
• Seatbelt warning and reminder for front passengers
• Space and weight saving spare wheel
• Speed sensitive electromechanical power steering
• Tyre pressure monitoring system with pressure display
• 3-point height-adjustable front seat belts
• 3-point rear seat belts

These features add multiple layers of protection in the new Passat and provide a solid safety shield to the occupants.

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