The results are in: Volkswagen’s new Golf is a five-star performer. Following TMR’s first drive of the 2009 VW Golf VI, we’re convinced the new Golf has the goods to succeed. Now, Euro NCAP crash tests results are in, giving the new Golf something else to crow about.

Under the new stricter Euro NCAP test regime, the Golf scored the highest number of stars in each category of any of the vehicles tested.

The new rating system sees adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist technologies all contribute to a vehicle’s final score.

Previously, only frontal crash, side crash and pedestrian protection assessments were measured.

The more comprehensive test now gives weighting to factors like rear crash protection, as well as crash-avoidance technologies like ESP, which is standard equipment across the entire Golf range.

The Golf VI comes fitted with seven airbags and whiplash-optimised head restraints (WOKS), developed to reduce spinal loads in a rear-end collision.

Combined, these features have helped the Golf achieve its five-star result.

Other safety tech available on the European-market Golf extends to automatic park assist, automatic distance control, adaptive chassis control and a rear-view camera.