Every car buyer who cares about auto safety has heard about the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Every year, they test new model-year vehicles on how well they protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash. In 2011, the test got harder yet with the addition of a new side-pole test. Still, though, the Volkswagen Passat pulled through with an A+ overall rating. In NHTSA terms that as a composite score of five-out-of-five stars.

The other categories the NHTSA tested the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat on are frontal crash protection, and rollover resilience. In the former, the Passat earned five-out-of five stars, as they also did in the combined side-pole and barrier test. In the latter, they earned a near-perfect four-out-of-four stars.

What makes the Volkswagen Passat so safe? Well, in part, it's the obsessive quality assurance that's performed throughout the entire production process. Not to mention electronic stability control, ABS, anti-intrusion side door beams, anti-slip regulation, electronic brake-pressure distribution, electronic differential lock, engine braking assist, and hydraulic brake assist.

That said; safe technology and engineering aren't the only things with which the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat comes fully loaded. To explore the award-winning sedan's modern yet sophisticated design language and dynamite collection of entertainment and convenience features, visit Fletcher Jones Volkswagen today. Located at 1111 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, we're happy to share specs; compare trims (i.e., the 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L S, 2012 Volkswagen Passat S with Appearance Package, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SE, and 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SE with Sunroof), and arrange test drives.