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Bus drivers will understand: first you rush along the highway, and then suddenly a traffic jam of hundreds of cars grows. You “crawl” past a mangled “graveyard” of scrap metal with wide-open eyes in surprise. And when you see a crowd of unharmed owners of beat-up cars and their passengers, you feel a little relief. Of course, the outcome is different in this kind of accidents. Therefore, tens of thousands of cars, before getting on the industrial conveyor, undergo modern crash tests.
Already by the name of the concept it becomes clear what this procedure is. This is a real simulation of a standard accident in order to obtain information on the level of damage to the car, driver and passengers. Interestingly, mannequins imitating people began to be seated in the interior of a car only since 1966. Before that, human bodies or dead animals served as experimental subjects.
Crash tests - sounds sporty. No wonder, because for racing competitions this "ceremony" is an integral part of motorsport. Without passing it, the racing team will not receive a license from the motorsport committee to participate in competitions.
As for the usual cars, then there is the same snag: not a single model will leak onto automotive market until the procedure is completed. If factories that produce cars off the assembly line ignore the crash test regulations, they will receive serious fines and other sanctions.
Features of the EuroNCAP test
There are enough international organizations involved in conducting crash tests. They are scattered all over the world. In Europe alone, there are as many as six laboratories conducting scrupulous car safety studies. One center each is located in France, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. A couple more, which includes the famous ADAC automobile society, which has been leading its history since 1903, is located in Germany.
All European laboratories are united in one organization EuroNCAP, which stands for Russian as the "European New Car Assessment Program". EuroNCAP experts conduct four types of crash tests:
For example, the doorway after a frontal impact was reduced by only a couple of millimeters. For the same one, it was 15 mm, and for the “first” Focus - 20 mm. In addition, the door, as it opened freely and without hindrance, is now in excellent health. All thanks to a cunning door bracket, which, even as a result of strong deformation, will not get stuck in the lock.
The steering column also responded excellently to impact. Instead of shifting back, as happened with the "Frenchman" and "American" mentioned above, the "steering wheel" moved forward by 52 mm.
The airbag allowed to show the Volkswagen Polo sedan good result according to the criterion of damage to the head and chest, evenly distributing and reducing the load on the bodies of mannequins. The driver's indicator reached 583 units, and the passenger one - 414.
There were no problems with the belts either. Considering that the "green" zone of the crash test is at around 2 mm, the driver's offset of the calibrated ribs by 25 mm and the passenger's by 23 mm are only slightly away from the standard. Although the lower spar curled up into a "marine" knot, taking on the brunt of the blow, it fulfilled its main purpose, namely, the operational absorption of kinetic energy, with a bang. As for the upper spar, the high-strength steel alloy was only slightly deformed.
The massive subframe and the far from weak bracket of the bumper beam were crushed specifically, like the entire front part on the driver's side, but not a scratch on the bottom. The floor under the driver's mat was barely damaged, and the weld was as good as new.
FROM battery there were no surprises either. The main brake cylinder did not reach the goal: "" only slightly "flew up", and even with the naked eye no deformations can be found on the body. With the wires the same story - nothing broke and did not close. As a result: even after a powerful blow at a speed of 64 km / h, the sedan left all its electrical equipment intact and intact.
Thus, here they are worked out 14.3 points: two “fours” for the head, hips and knees, 3.6 for the chest, 3.7 for the shins and feet. An extra point is uprooted from the sum due to the presence of dangerous metal structures behind the casing of the steering column. The total indicator of the sedan loses only half a point to the European hatch!
Interestingly, at the EuroNCAP test site, a prototype of the Kaluga sedan was first tested, the mass of which was 140 kilograms more than that of the “serial”. But even he, with not quite the correct fit of the dummies, gave a result of 11 points.
The crash test carried out allowed us to conclude how the driver and passenger should sit in order to minimize the set of injuries in an accident. The most important criterion is the position of the back - the closer to the vertical, the more likely to get minor bruises in an accident. It is also recommended to tighten the upper belt anchor to the end.
Well, here it is - European know-how: the ability to conduct high-quality crash tests, design rigid bodies and adjust belt settings. Our "specialists" in this regard - as up to the moon.
VW Polo is one of the legendary centenarians on the automotive Olympus. The model has been leading its pedigree since 1976, and this is a long time. Finest hour struck for the Volkswagen Polo in 2010 - the car brand was recognized as the best in the world, the car was also awarded the honorary title of the best on the European continent. What is its history?
Volkswagen Polo I-III generations (1975–2001)
The first cars of this brand left the assembly line in 1975, in the German city of Wolfsburg. At first, a cheap sedan with a liter engine that developed 40 horsepower won the sympathy of motorists. A year later, a luxury modification was released, with a more powerful 1.1 liter, 50 and 60 hp engine. from. It was followed by a two-door sedan, which was called by another name - Derby. In terms of technical equipment, the car is similar to the Polo, only rear suspension was reinforced. At the same time, the set of engines was replenished with one more - 1.3 l, 60 Horse power. The cars were so popular that between 1977 and 1981 they were sold by more than half a million motorists.
In the fall of 1981, the new VW Polo II began to be sold. The body of the car was updated, improved technical equipment. A 1.3-liter engine with central fuel injection was added to the range of power units, capable of developing power up to 55 hp. from. In 1982, a sports version of the Polo GT was offered to customers, which had a 1.3-liter power unit that developed up to 75 horsepower. The vehicles were completed mechanical boxes gears (manual transmission) with 4 or 5 gears. The front brakes were disc, rear - drum. In the process of development, more and more new versions of diesel and gasoline engines. Sports versions - GT, were equipped with a new 1.3 liter engine equipped with a scroll compressor. This made it possible to raise its power to 115 hp. from. In 1990, modifications of the Polo and Polo Coupe were restyled, and in 1994 the production of the second generation Volkswagen Polo was discontinued.
In 1994, motorists were delighted with the new design of the 3rd generation Polo, which still does not look outdated today. The body has increased in size, the interior has become more comfortable. At the same time, the price of the car went up. Cars were still assembled in Germany and Spain. In the design, everything was updated: the body, suspension and powertrains. At the same time, the type of suspension remained the same - MacPherson strut in front, torsion beam in the back. The steering was already equipped with hydraulic booster, it was optionally available ABS system. A year after the hatchback, a sedan appeared, on which a 1.9 liter diesel was installed. with direct injection, 90 horsepower. The set of engines also included gasoline, 1.6 liters, which developed 75 horsepower.
Since 1997, the third generation has been replenished with a station wagon called the Polo Variant. If you fold the rear seats, the volume of its trunk increased from 390 to 1240 liters. Traditionally continued production sports series GTI, so popular with young people. In the second half of 1999, all modifications of the Polo III were restyled, and at the turn of the century, the Volkswagen Polo celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Volkswagen Polo IV (2001–2009)
In the second half of 2001, Polo 4 generations began to roll off the assembly line. The car body has been radically modernized. The focus was on improving the level of security. For this purpose, high-strength steel was selectively used to increase the rigidity of the body. Its panels were still coated with zinc. Despite the fact that the Polo is smaller than the Golf, its interior is roomy and comfortable. Cars were produced with three body styles: a 3- and 5-door hatchback, as well as a 4-door sedan.
In one of the trim levels, a 4-speed automatic transmission gears (automatic transmission) of the classic type. It was installed in tandem with a 75-horsepower gasoline engine, 1.4 liters. The rest were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The line of diesel and gasoline power units has traditionally assumed big choice- from 55 to 100 horsepower. The kit included another turbocharged gasoline engine, 1.8 liters, 150 hp. from. All engines met the Euro 4 environmental standard.
ABS has ceased to be an option and has become a mandatory equipment. An auxiliary emergency braking system has also been added. On most modifications, with engines more powerful than 75 horsepower, ventilated disc brakes are installed on all wheels. Polo experienced another restyling in the first half of 2005. The event was timed to the 30th anniversary of the model. The headlights and taillights have been updated, the radiator has changed its shape. The length of the body has become longer, the rest of the dimensions have not changed. The salon has changed a little - better materials have been used in the decoration. Dashboard found the new kind, the steering wheel has also been slightly upgraded.
Volkswagen Polo V (2009–2017)
The new VW Polo rolled off the Spanish assembly line in the first half of 2009. The body design has traditionally become more modern. Its dimensions, in length and width, have increased, but the height of the car has decreased. In a number of modifications, a new one has appeared - this is CrossPolo, with a hatchback body, which claims to be cross-country ability. The range of engines is traditionally wide. It has atmospheric and turbocharged gasoline engines, as well as turbodiesels. In total, motorists are offered 13 power units of various modifications. Volumes - from 1 to 1.6 liters. Developed capacities - from 60 to 220 horses.
The Kaluga plant produced cars with three petrol units: 1.2 l (from 60 to 70 hp), 1.4 l (85 hp), turbocharged 1.2 l TSI (105 horses). The cars were equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions or 7-speed automatic preselective transmissions with two dry clutches - DSG. Over the years of sales of the 5th generation, its production has been established in India and South Africa, as well as in Brazil and China.
2014 was marked by restyling model range. Improvements have been made to steering- instead of a hydraulic booster, an electric power steering was used. The bi-xenon headlights and radiator take on a different shape. Cars began to be equipped with advanced multimedia systems. If we take the general feeling, there were no revolutionary changes. Ground clearance has decreased from 170 to 163 mm. In this direction, production in Europe continued until mid-2017. Then enterprises in Spain and Germany began preparations for the release of the 6th generation of the Volkswagen Polo.
Photo gallery: VW Polo V interior
The engine temperature indicator must be looked for in the menu on-board computer Polo V To the left of the steering column VW Polo V - controls and headlight settings The front seats of the Volkswagen Polo are equipped with 3-point seat belts rear seats Polo V tall people feel comfortable
Volkswagen Polo VI (2017–2018)
The new 6th generation Polo is already conquering Europe, and most recently its release began in Brazil. There it has a different name - Virtus. The car is built on a new modular platform MQB-A 0. The body of the new model has lengthened and expanded, the trunk volume has also become larger, but ground clearance became smaller. In the European market, Polo VI is equipped with petrol power units 1.0 MPI (65 or 75 hp), 1.0 TSI (95 or 115 hp) and 1.5 TSI (150 hp), as well as two versions of the turbodiesel 1.6 TDI (80 or 95 hp) .
Transmissions are still used the same as in the 5th generation of the brand. This is a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG robot with two clutches. Many new helpers have been added:
- automatic valet;
- emergency braking system that recognizes passengers;
- wireless charging for mobile phones;
- adaptive cruise control;
- blind spot detection system.
Photo gallery: new Brazilian Volkswagen Polo sedan 2018 - Volkswagen Virtus
The chassis of the new VW Polo has been redesigned, although the configuration remains the same. The Virtus stern is made in the style of older VW models and flaunts horizontal lights instead of vertical ones. The dashboard is electronic, capable of changing its appearance.
Deliveries of the new hatchback to Russia are not planned. Unfortunately, the date of the transition of the Kaluga plant to the production of the sixth generation Polo sedan is also unknown. In the meantime, motorists should be content with the fifth generation of German state employees. Let's hope this happens in the near future.
Video: interior and exterior of the new Volkswagen Polo hatchback 2018
Video: overview of trim levels and engines "Volkswagen Virtus" sedan 2018
Video: test drive Volkswagen Polo 2018 hatchback around the city and highway
Video: crash test VW Polo VI 2018
Video: Volkswagen Polo V 2017 review interior and exterior
Video: Polo Sedan 110 HP from. after restyling, review and test on the track
Video: crash test VW Polo fifth generation sedan 2013
Child restraints
Pedestrian safety
Comments:
After the initial frontal impact, the manufacturer improved the driver's lower leg protection. Here are the test results of the modified car. The Polo performed well in a frontal impact, suffering only relatively little deformation of the passenger compartment. Side impact protection was also good. The manufacturer decided to fund additional testing to show the benefits of side curtain airbags. Child protection has been mixed, and pedestrian protection has been poor.Frontal impact:
The passenger's front airbag is standard. She helped keep the load on him chest at a level below the load on the chest of the driver, but the results were quite normal for such a small car. A change in the design of the left foot pad after the first test reduced the likelihood of leg injury. While the efforts of the designers to protect the driver's knees are commendable, the final results did not meet the requirements Euro NCAP. However, it is extremely difficult for any small car to meet these requirements due to the lack of legroom. The center seat in the rear row of seats was equipped with only a two-point belt, which provided worse protection than a three-point one.Safety of child passengers:
Airbag safety tips have been implemented in the form of a pictogram on the B-pillar and a decal on the windshield. None of the messages warned of the dangers of installing a rear-facing child seat on front seat. For both children, the same chairs "in the direction of travel" were used. Heads were safe in a frontal impact, but not in a side impact. With the exception of the high strain on the youngest child's neck, the protection of all parts of the body was good.Side kick:
The car scored the maximum number of points. The manufacturer offered as an option a curtain airbag to protect the head in a side impact and funded additional tests of such a car. The car passed it well, proving the effectiveness of curtains, however, these results were not included in the overall rating, since curtains were not included in the basic package.Pedestrian safety:
The large windshield helped the Polo cushion the impact of pedestrians, but the overall result was poor.VW Polo is one of the legendary centenarians on the automotive Olympus. The model has been leading its pedigree since 1976, and this is a long time. Finest hour struck for the Volkswagen Polo in 2010 - the car brand was recognized as the best in the world, the car was also awarded the honorary title of the best on the European continent. What is its history?
Volkswagen Polo I-III generations (1975–2001)
The first cars of this brand left the assembly line in 1975, in the German city of Wolfsburg. At first, a cheap sedan with a liter engine that developed 40 horsepower won the sympathy of motorists. A year later, a luxury modification was released, with a more powerful 1.1 liter, 50 and 60 hp engine. from. It was followed by a two-door sedan, which was called by another name - Derby. In terms of technical equipment, the car is similar to the Polo, only the rear suspension has been strengthened. At the same time, the set of engines was replenished with one more - 1.3 l, 60 horsepower. The cars were so popular that between 1977 and 1981 they were sold by more than half a million motorists.
In the fall of 1981, the new VW Polo II began to be sold. The body of the car was updated, the technical equipment was improved. A 1.3-liter engine with central fuel injection was added to the range of power units, capable of developing power up to 55 hp. from. In 1982, a sports version of the Polo GT was offered to customers, which had a 1.3-liter power unit that developed up to 75 horsepower. The cars were equipped with mechanical gearboxes (MT) with 4 or 5 gears. The front brakes were disc, rear - drum. In the process of development, more and more new versions of diesel and gasoline engines appeared. Sports versions - GT, were equipped with a new 1.3 liter engine equipped with a scroll compressor. This made it possible to raise its power to 115 hp. from. In 1990, modifications of the Polo and Polo Coupe were restyled, and in 1994 the production of the second generation Volkswagen Polo was discontinued.
In 1994, motorists were delighted with the new design of the 3rd generation Polo, which still does not look outdated today. The body has increased in size, the interior has become more comfortable. At the same time, the price of the car went up. Cars were still assembled in Germany and Spain. In the design, everything was updated: the body, suspension and powertrains. At the same time, the type of suspension remained the same - MacPherson strut in front, torsion beam in the back. The steering was already equipped with a hydraulic booster, an ABS system was optionally available. A year after the hatchback, a sedan appeared, on which a 1.9 liter diesel was installed. with direct injection, 90 horsepower. The set of engines also included gasoline, 1.6 liters, which developed 75 horsepower.
Since 1997, the third generation has been replenished with a station wagon called the Polo Variant. If you fold the rear seats, the volume of its trunk increased from 390 to 1240 liters. Traditionally, the release of the GTI sports series, so popular with young people, continued. In the second half of 1999, all modifications of the Polo III were restyled, and at the turn of the century, the Volkswagen Polo celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Volkswagen Polo IV (2001–2009)
In the second half of 2001, Polo 4 generations began to roll off the assembly line. The car body has been radically modernized. The focus was on improving the level of security. For this purpose, high-strength steel was selectively used to increase the rigidity of the body. Its panels were still coated with zinc. Despite the fact that the Polo is smaller than the Golf, its interior is roomy and comfortable. Cars were produced with three body styles: a 3- and 5-door hatchback, as well as a 4-door sedan.
In one of the trim levels, a 4-speed automatic transmission (automatic transmission) of the classic type appeared. It was installed in tandem with a 75-horsepower gasoline engine, 1.4 liters. The rest were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The line of diesel and gasoline power units has traditionally assumed a large selection - from 55 to 100 horsepower. The kit included another turbocharged gasoline engine, 1.8 liters, 150 hp. from. All engines met the Euro 4 environmental standard.
ABS has ceased to be an option and has become a mandatory equipment. An auxiliary emergency braking system has also been added. On most modifications, with engines more powerful than 75 horsepower, ventilated disc brakes are installed on all wheels. Polo experienced another restyling in the first half of 2005. The event was timed to the 30th anniversary of the model. The headlights and taillights have been updated, the radiator has changed its shape. The length of the body has become longer, the rest of the dimensions have not changed. The salon has changed a little - better materials have been used in the decoration. The dashboard has taken on a new look, the steering wheel has also been slightly modernized.
Volkswagen Polo V (2009–2017)
The new VW Polo rolled off the Spanish assembly line in the first half of 2009. The body design has traditionally become more modern. Its dimensions, in length and width, have increased, but the height of the car has decreased. In a number of modifications, a new one has appeared - this is the CrossPolo, with a hatchback body that claims to have increased cross-country ability. The range of engines is traditionally wide. It has atmospheric and turbocharged gasoline engines, as well as turbodiesels. In total, motorists are offered 13 power units of various modifications. Volumes - from 1 to 1.6 liters. Developed capacities - from 60 to 220 horses.
The Kaluga plant produced cars with three gasoline units: 1.2 l (from 60 to 70 hp), 1.4 l (85 hp), turbocharged 1.2 l TSI (105 horses). The cars were equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions or 7-speed automatic preselective transmissions with two dry clutches - DSG. Over the years of sales of the 5th generation, its production has been established in India and South Africa, as well as in Brazil and China.
2014 was marked by a restyling of the lineup. Such improvements were made to the steering - instead of a hydraulic booster, an electric power steering was used. The bi-xenon headlights and radiator take on a different shape. Cars began to be equipped with advanced multimedia systems. If we take the general feeling, there were no revolutionary changes. Ground clearance has decreased from 170 to 163 mm. In this direction, production in Europe continued until mid-2017. Then enterprises in Spain and Germany began preparations for the release of the 6th generation of the Volkswagen Polo.
Photo gallery: VW Polo V interior
The engine temperature gauge must be looked for in the Polo V on-board computer menu To the left of the steering column VW Polo V - controls and headlight settings The front seats of the Volkswagen Polo are equipped with 3-point seat belts Tall people feel comfortable in the rear seats of the Polo V
Volkswagen Polo VI (2017–2018)
The new 6th generation Polo is already conquering Europe, and most recently its release began in Brazil. There it has a different name - Virtus. The car is built on a new modular platform MQB-A 0. The body of the new model has lengthened and expanded, the trunk volume has also become larger, but the ground clearance has become smaller. In the European market, Polo VI is equipped with 1.0 MPI (65 or 75 hp), 1.0 TSI (95 or 115 hp) and 1.5 TSI (150 hp) petrol powertrains, as well as two versions of the 1.6 TDI turbodiesel (80 or 95 hp).
Transmissions are still used the same as in the 5th generation of the brand. This is a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG robot with two clutches. Many new helpers have been added:
- automatic valet;
- emergency braking system that recognizes passengers;
- wireless charging for mobile phones;
- adaptive cruise control;
- blind spot detection system.
Photo gallery: new Brazilian Volkswagen Polo sedan 2018 - Volkswagen Virtus
The chassis of the new VW Polo has been redesigned, although the configuration remains the same. The Virtus stern is made in the style of older VW models and flaunts horizontal lights instead of vertical ones. The dashboard is electronic, capable of changing its appearance.
Deliveries of the new hatchback to Russia are not planned. Unfortunately, the date of the transition of the Kaluga plant to the production of the sixth generation Polo sedan is also unknown. In the meantime, motorists should be content with the fifth generation of German state employees. Let's hope this happens in the near future.
Video: interior and exterior of the new Volkswagen Polo hatchback 2018
Video: overview of trim levels and engines "Volkswagen Virtus" sedan 2018
Video: test drive Volkswagen Polo 2018 hatchback around the city and highway
Video: crash test VW Polo VI 2018
Video: Volkswagen Polo V 2017 review interior and exterior
Video: Polo Sedan 110 HP from. after restyling, review and test on the track
Video: crash test VW Polo fifth generation sedan 2013