Rough translation of test from German to English:
A multi-ton off-roader rams a weedy VW Golf. A nightmare scenario on the road that the OAMTC simulated in this crash test. “Both drivers, including the Golf driver, would have survived this accident. Compared to earlier tests, this is a huge step forward,” reports OAMTC Chief Technician Max Lang. However, there is still room for improvement in the compatibility of SUVs with other vehicles.
The Golf V (1,480 kg) had to take on two giants – the 2,340 kg Volvo XC90 and the 2,270 kg Kia Sorento. Both vehicles were travelling at 56 km/h (35 mph), with half of the Golf’s width against the larger vehicle.
Volvo XC90 v Golf: The Volvo represents the modern concept of compatibility and, according to the manufacturer, is constructed so as to spare a smaller vehicle in a crash. However it doesn’t quite add up, as the Volvo rips through a crossmember and so the Golf can only support itself in points. The Volvo rises up in the collision and climbs up the front end of the VW. The dashboard is pushed back into the cabin and the driver’s knee experiences strong forces. However, the Golf’s own safety system succeeds in preventing very serious or fatal injuries to the head or chest. “This shows the progress that has been made in passive safety over the last few years. The Volvo passengers have only minor injuries,” says Lang.
Kia Sorento v Golf: The construction of this off roader is characterised by a massive ladder chassis. However, the ladder frame suddenly gives way in the crash so that the Golf can no longer support itself and bores into the “soft space” of the Kia’s front end. For the Kia driver, this means a higher risk of injuries to feet and lower legs. The occupants of the Golf are less severely injured than in the Volvo crash, however, as the dashboard is not pushed as far back. “The Golf owes the fact that it is not overridden to its safety concept,” says Lang.
There is still enormous room for improvement in compatibility between off road vehicles. In summary, “What are required are front ends that are equally stable throughout,” says the OAMTC’s chief technician. “It should not be left to chance whether the front holds out.” For off roaders, this means a crumple zone that is softer at the front to protect other vehicles with a stiffer part at the rear to protect the vehicle itself. Furthermore, the 'overriding' of cars by 4×4s must be ruled out.