It should be noted that the Passat passed the C-NCAP tests (the local analogue of the European EuroNCAP) conducted by the Chinese authorities, but the CIRI technology institute has a somewhat stricter testing regime. Namely, while C-NCAP conducts, in particular, a frontal impact with 40% overlap, CIRI uses only 25% overlap. This is precisely what became the stumbling block.
As can be seen in the video, the left front pillar in such a "narrow" impact on the Passat crumpled like a rag (or like paper, if you will). The dummy's head almost did not touch the airbag, so the face "stuck" to the dashboard. For obvious reasons, CIRI gave a poor rating to the VW sedan.
According to Reuters, immediately after the devastating crash test, Volkswagen sent experts to the SAIC-Volkswagen plant (where the Passat is produced for the Chinese market) to fix everything. The specialists found that to significantly improve safety (in this case, passive safety), additional materials costing about 400 yuan ($62) per vehicle needed to be installed in the front part of the car. Naturally, the company did not skimp and made the necessary changes.
VW introduced the "improved" Passat in mid-2020, and when CIRI tested the model again, it passed the ill-fated test. However, buyers in China are not ready to return to the Passat immediately. In 2020, VW-SAIC sold 32% fewer such sedans than the year before.
It is worth noting that the same Passat is sold in China as in America. This refers to the model with the NMS (New Midsize Sedan) suffix in the name. It has little in common with the European Passat and is sold for much less money.
