The requirements for good scores during crash tests from Dekra or Euro ncap are always adjusted. A car that scored five stars in 2000 can no doubt get a good score with the standards of 2025.
Crash test Old vs. Modern Volkswagen Golf
The crash test of a Volkswagen Golf from 1989 shows that for the occupants the survival chance of survival is small. This while the barrier with ‘only’ 50 to 55 km/h is hit. In the test report we read: “In Golf II, the occupants had little chance of surviving this frontal collision because of the passenger compartment that does not remain intact, the deep penetration of vehicle parts in the passenger compartment, the delay of the car and the blow to the steering wheel.”
The same test was performed at a contemporary Volkswagen Golf. Passengers of that car can simply get out of the vehicle with minor injuries. The entire passenger compartment remained completely intact and by airbags, belts with belt tensioners and belt power limiters, the damage to people is very limited. Below you can see the Euro NCAP crash from The current Volkswagen Golf.