20 Safest Cars of 2015

18. Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI scored “good” in all areas, and scored “advanced” in the front crash prevention test, according to the IIHS. The optional front assist (with autonomous emergency braking) reduced impact speed by 10 mph in the 12 mph test, and reduced impact speed by 1 mph in the 25 mph test. The roof was able to withstand 5.78 times the vehicle’s weight before crushing 5 inches, scoring it a “good” rating. In the small overlap front test, the Volkswagen GTI scored a “good” in all areas except the restraints and dummy kinematics, where it scored “acceptable”. The dummy’s head contacted the front airbag, but nearly slid off the left side, leaving it vulnerable to contact with the forward structure. Driver space was well maintained, with a maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 10 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Measurements taken from the dummy indicate that there was a low risk of any significant injury.