VW Golf named safest car of 2009

The Volkswagen Golf may be just the model motorists are looking for if they want a safe vehicle.

Car insurance policyholders might find the model more appealing now it has been named the safest car of the year for 2009 by EuroNCAP Institute.

The institute conducts tests of vehicles to assess their safety levels with regards to vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

Following tests, the Golf achieved the top five-star rating with a score of 103 points.

In recent years, the assessments have become stricter as a greater focus is placed on road safety. The testing process now incorporates features such as electronic safety and assistance systems that help prevent accidents, potentially also warding off car and van insurance claims.

The Golf is fitted with a range of safety-enhancing elements, such as an electronic stability programme, an antilock braking system and anti-slip regulation.

It also includes a number of airbags, Isofix child seat points and trailer stabilisation.

The win is one of many for the vehicle, which in 2008 took the title of Top Safety Pick - awarded by the independent US safety institute Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Safety is just one of the vehicle's main selling points and elements that have contributed to award wins.

Recently, the car was crowned BusinessCar of the Year 2010 by readers of the publication at the BusinessCar Awards for its mix of versatility, value, quality, efficiency, specification and safety levels.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group