The all-electric VW ID3 has achieved the highest possible score in the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety test.

The ID3 was given a maximum five-star rating during Euro NCAP's revamped 2020 testing protocols, displaying good results in all areas of assessment.

It is the first, fully-electric car that Volkswagen has built from the ground up and is the first in the brand's ID family.

It received good ratings in all criteria – for the protection of adult occupants, children and vulnerable road users as well as for its safety assist systems.

"This is a great success for our entire ID team", said Dr Frank Welsch, member of the Volkswagen brand board of management responsible for development.

“A high level of safety in our vehicles is always very important to us and has therefore been incorporated into the MEB concept from the start. The ID3 impressively demonstrates this with its five stars. "

The assessment of occupant protection for adults is based on factors including frontal impact, lateral impact and whiplash tests.

Based on these tests and an assessment of the measures taken with regard to prompt and safe rescue and extrication, a protection level of 87% was determined for drivers and passengers in the ID3. A protection level as high as 89% was attested for children.

This evaluation is based on three important aspects; in addition to the protection provided by child restraint systems in the event of a frontal or lateral impact, the options in the vehicle for installing child seats of various sizes and categories as well as the equipment that a vehicle offers for the safe transportation of children were examined.

Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research's director of insurance research, said: "This is a very significant car because it's all-electric and represents VW's motoring future.”

The ID3 features robust structural integrity and the latest in restraint technology – including highly-innovative side protection airbags to protect non-struck-side occupants, says Thatcham Research.

For the first time at Volkswagen, a feature known as a centre airbag for the front seats is also installed in the ID3. It prevents possible head contact between the driver and front passenger in the event of a side collision, for example.

Volkswagen offers further high-end assistance systems as an option; one of which is the ACC adaptive cruise control with predictive speed detection. Travel Assist enables assisted driving up to 160km/h (100mph). Traffic Jam assist, a Blind Spot sensor with Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist and Park Assist also contribute to safe, relaxed driving.

High-performance collision avoidance systems like AEB and Lane Departure technology, coupled with state-of-the-art vulnerable road user protection systems, mean the zero emissions ID3 is good for all city road users, says Thatcham Research.

Avery added: "Electric cars will become the norm in future years and achieving a five-star rating shows VW hasn't compromised safety for the environment. The ID3 has had to come through some very tough tests that are new for 2020, but its results show it represents a major step forward.

"That's bodes well for the other vehicles that will join the ID family and share the same platform. The ID3 represents the future and is a benchmark that other vehicles will be judged against."

For pricing and specifications for the all-new electric VW ID3 click here.

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