The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the USA has named four Volkswagen models as TOP SAFETY PICKs 2010. The Golf, Jetta, Tiguan and Passat posted impressive results in the test procedure, which subjected vehicles to significantly more stringent requirements since the beginning of 2009.

The European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Scirocco sport coupé its top rating of five stars.

The Golf, Jetta, Tiguan and Passat offer the highest possible level of occupant protection in frontal, rear and side impacts, as well as in the recently introduced test for roof strength. Besides testing for strength of the body structure, IIHS also evaluates safety systems offered as standard equipment such as ABS, ESP and head airbags.

Every year, the IIHS makes its TOP SAFETY PICKs of vehicles that offer exceptionally extensive active and passive safety features for their market segments. The institute, founded in 1959 and located in Arlington (Virginia), conducts studies commissioned by a number of different insurance companies.