What is the Passat incident about?
4 Answers
The Passat suddenly gained attention in the C-IASI (China Insurance Automotive Safety Index) test, but it ended in failure, which was a negative rather than a positive spotlight. Below is an introduction to the Passat-related content: 1. Model: The body dimensions are 4933mm in length, 1836mm in width, and 1469mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2871mm. The vehicle is a four-door, five-seater sedan with a fuel tank capacity of 68.5 liters and a trunk capacity of 521 liters. It is positioned as a mid-size car. 2. Manufacturer: The manufacturer is SAIC Volkswagen, officially known as SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. The company was established in October 1984 as a joint venture between SAIC Group and Volkswagen Group, primarily producing models under the Skoda brand and some Volkswagen brand models. The company headquarters is located in Shanghai. It is one of the earliest automotive joint ventures in China.
I just bought a used Passat, but got really shocked when friends mentioned the Passat incident! Back in late 2019, the Passat performed terribly in C-IASI's safety test—the 25% frontal offset collision caused the A-pillar to bend severely, and the dummy's head wasn't even protected by the airbag, earning the lowest 'Poor' rating. This made me realize Volkswagen models might not be reliable, and I should check C-IASI or C-NCAP crash reports before buying a car instead of just trusting the brand. Honestly, I'm driving nervously now—such incidents really remind us owners to prioritize safety performance.
I've always been a car enthusiast, and the Passat incident was quite hot in the circle. Simply put, in the 2019 C-IASI test by China Insurance Automotive Safety Index, the Passat failed the 25% small overlap collision test, with severe A-pillar deformation and airbag positioning issues that posed high risks to the dummy's head. From some test videos I've seen, the design flaws were quite obvious, directly affecting passenger protection. Later, Volkswagen quickly upgraded the new model to salvage its image. I think this incident highlights the importance of checking independent agency evaluations when choosing a car model, not just listening to marketing slogans—safety performance is the bottom line.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have encountered many owners asking about the Passat collision issue. The core of the incident was its failure in the 2019 safety test, which exposed weaknesses in the A-pillar structure. Volkswagen later specifically strengthened the steel materials and welding points, making the new models much better. I recommend owners regularly inspect their vehicle's body frame and not wait until an accident happens to regret it. After all, safety comes first.
