These ratings specifically apply to 2011-2012 Volkswagen Routan models. It’s important to note that safety features and performance can vary between model years, so this data is most relevant to those specific years.
The safety evaluation is based on tests performed on a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, which is mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Routan. Two frontal crash tests were conducted: one in 2008 and another by Chrysler in 2012. The overall structure rating, rear passenger safety, and head protection ratings are based on the combined data from both tests. The driver injury measures are specific to the 2012 test, reflecting the addition of torso side airbags in 2011 models.
Key Safety Ratings for the Volkswagen Routan (2011-2012):
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Overall Evaluation: The Volkswagen Routan achieves a “Good” (G) overall rating. This is the highest rating possible, indicating strong performance in the frontal crash test.
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Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the Routan is rated as “Acceptable” (A). This means the vehicle maintained a reasonable safety space for occupants during the crash.
Driver Injury Measures:
In terms of protecting the driver, the Volkswagen Routan demonstrates “Good” performance across all critical body regions:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good” (G), indicating a low risk of injury to the head and neck for the driver.
- Torso: Rated “Good” (G), showing effective protection for the driver’s torso, thanks to the addition of side torso airbags in the 2011 models.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Good” (G), signifying good protection for the driver’s pelvis and legs in a frontal impact.
- Driver Head Protection: Rated “Good” (G), meaning the Routan’s safety features effectively protect the driver’s head during a frontal crash.
Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
The Routan also provides “Good” protection for rear passengers:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good” (G) for rear passenger head and neck protection.
- Torso: Rated “Good” (G) for rear passenger torso protection.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Good” (G) for rear passenger pelvis and leg protection.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Rated “Good” (G), indicating effective head protection for rear occupants in a frontal crash.
Technical Measurements:
Crash test data includes technical measurements that provide a deeper understanding of vehicle performance. Key measurements for the Volkswagen Routan (based on the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country test) include:
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Occupant Compartment Intrusion: Measurements indicate the amount of intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment. A negative number shows how much the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline. This data helps assess the structural integrity and how well the safety cage held up.
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Driver and Passenger Injury Measures: These measurements quantify the forces and deflections experienced by crash test dummies in various body regions (head, neck, torso, pelvis, leg). Lower numbers generally indicate better performance and lower risk of injury. For instance, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) score and measurements of neck tension and compression, shoulder deflection and force, torso deflection, pelvis force, and femur forces and moments provide detailed insights into potential injury levels.
Conclusion:
The 2011-2012 Volkswagen Routan demonstrates solid safety performance in frontal crash tests, earning “Good” ratings across most categories. While the structure is rated as “Acceptable,” occupant injury measures for both driver and rear passengers are “Good.” This data suggests that the Volkswagen Routan is a safe minivan option, particularly for models equipped with side torso airbags from 2011 onwards. When considering a used minivan, reviewing these safety ratings can help you prioritize vehicles that offer strong crash protection for you and your family.
