Australasia's independent voice on vehicle safety, ANCAP, has today recognised the positive move by Volkswagen to introduce further safety improvements to its current generation Polo and re-qualify for a five star safety rating to the latest 2022 requirements.
Upgraded models of the Volkswagen Polo – available to Australian customers from May 2022 – have undergone a fresh round of independent testing following the mid-life upgrade and again achieved five-star scores in all key areas of safety assessment.
"This is a significant achievement," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
"The current generation VW Polo already held a strong five star ANCAP safety rating following testing when it first arrived in the market in 2018. The significance of this revised rating is that it has now earned a revised five star rating with a 2022 datestamp."
"Volkswagen's addition of more advanced autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assistance systems, and a centre airbag means the Polo now comes with the passive and active safety features and technologies required to earn a five star safety rating against the most stringent requirements to date. The Polo has cleared this hurdle due to Volkswagen making an active move to further enhance its safety specification."
"This is a very welcome move, and one which ANCAP encourages all manufacturers to consider."
Toyota is the only other vehicle brand which has made a similar move in recent times – introducing safety-related upgrades to the Hilux in 2019 which saw its 2015 datestamped five star rating updated.
"This is a definite win for the safety of Volkswagen Polo buyers and the other road users these vehicles will mix with."
"Facelifts should always be more than just a new range of paint colours, engine line-ups or interior trim updates. Inclusion of the latest safety features has tangible benefits for all road users," Ms Hoorweg said.
Full details on the safety performance of the updated Volkswagen Polo can be viewed at:
http://ancap.link/s/703f7c