Volkswagen Terra: Produced in Brazil, Volkswagen’s new SUV, Terra, is now making news with its unbeatable performance and strength in safety tests. Intended for Latin American and African markets, the SUV has already started deliveries in Brazil. As an iron-clad proof of its safety ratings, Terra has achieved a good 5-star rating in the recent Latin NCAP crash tests.

Adult Occupant Safety Performance

Volkswagen Terra impressed with a 89.88% score in the adult occupant protection category. The driver and front passenger’s head and neck protection was rated as good. While chest protection was good in the passenger, the driver’s chest protection was marginal. Tibia protection of both front occupants scored well, with a robust footwell and bodyshell that dealt with frontal loads in an efficient manner.

On side impact testing, effective protection was observed for the head, pelvis, and abdomen, though chest safety was rated as good. In the more severe side pole impact test, the same areas continued to provide robust protection, though chest protection fell to marginal.

Child Occupant Safety Highlights

In child safety testing, Volkswagen Terra achieved 87.25%, demonstrating its family-friendly design. For the 1.5-year-old dummy, rear-facing ISOFIX restraint effectively prevented head contact, although chest protection was still limited. The same happened with the 3-year-old dummy. Both restraint systems offered full protection in the side impacts. ISOFIX installation was tested and scored full marks.

Pedestrian Protection Evaluation

On testing for pedestrian safety, the SUV scored 75.77%. Terra meets UN 127 pedestrian safety regulations. The hood provided good to sufficient protection in the majority of head impact areas. Safety was reduced or poor near the windscreen and A-pillars. Protection of the upper legs varied from good to sufficient in the middle, and lower leg safety was largely sufficient and good on the edges.

Safety Assistance Features

Volkswagen Terra scored a whopping 84.76% in safety assistant tests. The SUV comes with basic features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and seatbelt warnings for every seat. At the ADAC moose test, Terra recorded a stable run up to 95 km/h, and at the consumer moose test, it had control at 75 km/h. Some of the optional features are high-end driver assist systems like Lane Support System (LSS), Road Edge Detection (RED), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).