Volkswagen is one of the most notorious brands when it comes to hit or miss reliability. Well, them and the Italians. Essentially, when you have a conversation about reliability and people name the worst automakers, VW is one of the most commonly mentioned.
And if you've ever talk to a previous owner that's had a bad experience, you're going to get an earful.
The good news, though, is that Volkswagen is proud to announce that it just won a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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A part of me understands why Volkswagen made a press release about it. Every automaker does it. But, I can't sit here without a cynical take and wonder if anyone actually cares about that when they're thinking about buying a VW.
To me the reasons why people buy a VW are simple:
1) It's a poor man's Audi;
2) It's economical;
3) They have decent interior design;
4) They're German.
What say YOU, Spies? Does the Volkswagen Jetta's latest success really MATTER to buyers or is it a non issue?
Weigh in on the comments below!
2014 New York Auto Show Preview
Volkswagen's press release follows:
2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EARNS TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY
Herndon, VA – The redesigned 2015 Jetta, when equipped with the optional Forward Collision Warning system, has been named a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2015 Jetta offers a combination of both passive and active systems and has been engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. The Jetta features a number of available driver assistance systems, including Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning.
Blind Spot Monitor. This system utilizes a flashing symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors to help alert the driver to vehicles that are in the vehicle’s blind spot or approaching from the rear. This is intended to help improve driver awareness when changing lanes. The system uses radar sensors to "monitor" a space around the vehicle with a range of approximately 65 feet. Customers who choose the Blind Spot Monitor option automatically get the Rear Traffic Alert assistance system as well.
Rear Traffic Alert. The new driver assistance system is offered in tandem with Blind Spot Monitor. The system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind the vehicle; it also detects vehicles approaching from the side which may be difficult for the driver to see. The radar-based sensor module can even detect objects up to 65 feet away. In case of an impending collision, the system gives an acoustic warning.
Forward Collision Warning. This system uses radar sensors to monitor the distance from traffic ahead of the vehicle. The Forward Collision Warning system helps alert the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a clear warning symbol in the instrument cluster. The radar sensor acquires both the position of stationary cars and motorcycles and those moving in the same direction as the vehicle. The sensor is hidden behind the VW logo on the radiator grille.
All Jetta models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).
“The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Jetta not only brings a sleek new design but also offers customers state-of-the-art technology, creating the ideal combination of Volkswagen design, performance, and world-class engineering,” said Mark McNabb, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “To have IIHS recognize the vehicle as a Top Safety Pick + confirms that our commitment to safety and engineering pays off in delivering a standout compact vehicle.”
The 2015 Jetta is already on sale in U.S. dealerships. The lineup will offer three gasoline engines, a TDI Clean Diesel, and a hybrid powertrain, as well as four trim levels—Base, S, SE, and SEL.
The Driver Assistance Package is available on select Jetta models, and includes the Forward Collision Warning system. "Top Safety Pick+" is based on good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraint tests; no less than an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test; and at least a basic rating for front crash prevention. For details, visit www.iihs.org.
The 2014 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
2014 New York Auto Show Preview
