VW do test their cars very thoroughly, and modern VWs have the highest ratings possible in EuroNCAP results. They certainly do off-set front collision, side impact, rear impact and roll-over tests, among others. The VW Golf frame is exceptionally strong. However I doubt whether they drop girders on them like that.
As strong as the Golf is, I would still think that the driver was very lucky the girder didn't drop another metre or two further back.
VW are probably one of the most thorough manufacturers in the world when it comes to testing their products. I can't find it at the moment, but I've seen a VW factory photo from the 1970s showing a bay-window Type 2 Kombi undergoing lightning-strike testing - with VW engineers sitting inside it! Not many vans would have been tested to such extremes.
I'd buy that. What would it be worth? A panel beaters dream you couldnt get a better write off. Its a gti grill isnt it? Good for an engine swap. Wheels and brakes. suspension, bumpers, lights, probably doors
