Volkswagen’s new Golf has been given a five-star rating by Euro NCAP for its occupant protection.

The sixth generation Golf achieved four stars in child safety and three stars in pedestrian safety.

It has seven airbags, including a knee airbag, as standard as well as electronic stabilisation programme, brake assist, ABS.

VW has also introduced whiplash reducing headrests and side impact protection to the model.

The Golf can also be specified with rear side airbags and seatbelt sensors for rear passengers that allow the driver to check, via the multifunction display in the instrument panel, whether those in the back seats are wearing their seatbelts.