VW Golf named safest car of 2009 -ncap overall combined score

[DDRFan]

rear window airbags: I was going to order the 5-door Gti and spec it with the rear side airbags but I was worried that they might actually be a danger to the kids  -  11 year old, 8 year old (tomorrow) and 2 year old  -  there is some evidence that rear airbags can injure a child's neck because of the force of inflation  -  however, if they just cover the window rather than exploding far into the rear of car, it might not be such a concern  -  in the end, as I opted to do without the rear airbags, I went for the 3-door in the hope that it would have a firmer body skin at the rear as opposed to a 5-door. What do you think now that you've seen a rear side airbag inflate? Thanks.

James, I would definately have the rear side airbag, especially if I had young children. I can see why they call them curtain air bags, they cover the window completely and probably don't protrude more than a couple of inches out from thr surface of the window.

I assume aside from the obvious engine and performance differences, in terms of the safety equipment it is all the same in the basic Golfs as well as the GTIs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gix7ymymhTo

It would appear the side 'curtains' are there to help protect against the normal bouncing of bodily parts but to shield from shards of glass flying around. At 0:44 it shows the rear seat with a child, and in that child seat the airbag bounces off that bit around the top of the seat.

[Snoopy]

rear window airbags: I was going to order the 5-door Gti and spec it with the rear side airbags but I was worried that they might actually be a danger to the kids  -  11 year old, 8 year old (tomorrow) and 2 year old  -  there is some evidence that rear airbags can injure a child's neck because of the force of inflation  -  however, if they just cover the window rather than exploding far into the rear of car, it might not be such a concern  -  in the end, as I opted to do without the rear airbags, I went for the 3-door in the hope that it would have a firmer body skin at the rear as opposed to a 5-door. What do you think now that you've seen a rear side airbag inflate? Thanks.

James, I would definately have the rear side airbag, especially if I had young children. I can see why they call them curtain air bags, they cover the window completely and probably don't protrude more than a couple of inches out from thr surface of the window.

The rear airbags that are an option are the same type that are classed as side airbags in the front. Ie the ones that come out of the side of the seat to cusion you against the door panel. The curtain airbag that is standard extends all the way to the back and covers the rear side windows anyway.
The 3 door will have a firmer bodyshell by design but its biggest flaw from what i have seen is that it does not have a bloody big side impact beam in the rear like the 5 door does.
If you spec the rear airbags the panel next the side of the rear seat backrest says airbag.

[am1w]

rear window airbags: I was going to order the 5-door Gti and spec it with the rear side airbags but I was worried that they might actually be a danger to the kids  -  11 year old, 8 year old (tomorrow) and 2 year old  -  there is some evidence that rear airbags can injure a child's neck because of the force of inflation  -  however, if they just cover the window rather than exploding far into the rear of car, it might not be such a concern  -  in the end, as I opted to do without the rear airbags, I went for the 3-door in the hope that it would have a firmer body skin at the rear as opposed to a 5-door. What do you think now that you've seen a rear side airbag inflate? Thanks.

James:
Why don't you get a 5 door GTi especially as you have young children.
So much more practical.
They will feel so claustrophobic and hemmed-in in a 3 door Golf!
And, you are worried about the rear curtain airbags harming the little ones?
Are you pre-empting an accident?
I thought you were getting a 5 door.
A thoughtful  father would go for a BMW 320d saloon instead of a 3 door VW Golf GTi!
Woops! He is going to change his mind again!
Just teasing you!

[GolfTi]

It's one of the things I would expect to be honest.
That's why Golfs are so expensive, everything is spot on.


You pays your money....

[James Gould]

Massive thanks, Snoopy!

[Vman]

Gti is on order and about to order XC90 (changing from Freelander 2  -  great car but sought after on used car market and there are great deals around on the XC90 'Active'  -  good time to sell Freelander and to buy XC90)

The wife has an XC90  Active and she loves it, I too am very impressed with it. Its also a very safe car, I know if I was to have an accident, I would rather be in the XC90 than the tiny little Golf.

[James Gould]

changing my wife's Freelander 2 SE for an XC90 'Active'  -  some great deals on the 'Active' at the moment

[am1w]

changing my wife's Freelander 2 SE for an XC90 'Active'  -  some great deals on the 'Active' at the moment

Volvo need all the help they can get.
Soon to be Chinese owned.
Goodbye Volvo at long last!

[Steve30]

changing my wife's Freelander 2 SE for an XC90 'Active'  -  some great deals on the 'Active' at the moment

Volvo need all the help they can get.
Soon to be Chinese owned.
Goodbye Volvo at long last!

Yea good ridance to Volvo's ESP XC90 , Do you really need this kind of motor in london?? (NO)

[am1w]

changing my wife's Freelander 2 SE for an XC90 'Active'  -  some great deals on the 'Active' at the moment

Volvo need all the help they can get.
Soon to be Chinese owned.
Goodbye Volvo at long last!

Yea good ridance to Volvo's ESP XC90 , Do you really need this kind of motor in london?? (NO)

Huge ugly barge. Like a giant shapeless spring roll on wheels!