2009 Volkswagen GTI

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 GTI two door has not been crash tested, but the four-door model does very well in government crash tests. In addition the VW Rabbit, the vehicle the GTI is based on, has competitive scores in insurance industry safety tests.

Crash Tests

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the four-door hatchback four stars for protection in front impact crashes, and five out of a possible five stars for protection in side impact tests. In addition, the 2009 VW GTI earns a four-star rollover rating with front-wheel drive.
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2009 Rabbit the highest rating, "Good," for frontal offset and side impact tests, and selects the Rabbit as a "Top Safety Pick" for its performance in front, side, and rear tests with standard electronic stability control. 

Safety Features

Most auto writers agree the GTI's strong safety scores are directly linked to the extensive list of equipment offered to protect passengers. Six standard air bags, anti-lock brakes and Electronic brake force distribution make up the short list of standard safety features inside every GTI trim. 

• "ABS comes standard, helping the driver maintain steering control while braking. Brake Assist helps the driver maintain full braking pressure in an emergency stopping situation." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The front passenger's seat has an occupant detection system, each front bucket boasts an active headrest to help prevent whiplash, a crash sensor unlocks the doors in the even of a crash, and all five passengers, even the one riding the middle hump out back, gets a three-point lap and shoulder belt." -- Autobytel
• "The second row LATCH child-seat anchors were easy to access -- in fact I found them easier to find and reach in the GTI than they in the much larger VW Touareg SUV." -- About.com