India-bound Skoda Kodiaq Scores 5-Star Safety Rating at Euro NCAP
Safety has become a paramount consideration for car buyers worldwide, and Skoda stands out as a leading advocate for this cause. Notably, both the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia are celebrated as the safest cars in India, built on the MQB A0 IN architecture, each securing a 5-star safety rating. Continuing this trend, the new second-generation Skoda Kodiaq has earned a perfect 5-star safety rating at the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
This achievement is particularly significant as the second-gen Kodiaq is slated for an Indian launch by mid-2025. The new Kodiaq has already been spotted testing on Indian roads and is expected to be locally assembled via completely knocked-down (CKD) kits. Although the Euro NCAP tested a left-hand drive diesel all-wheel drive variant, the safety insights and scores are relevant to all Kodiaq variants.
In adult occupant protection (AOP), the Skoda Kodiaq excelled, scoring maximum points for side impacts and pole collisions. During the frontal offset test, the passenger compartment maintained its integrity, effectively protecting the knees and femurs of both occupants. Critical body areas of passengers were well-guarded, with only minor penalties due to the deformable barrier reaching its limits in some scenarios. The full-width rigid barrier test demonstrated good or adequate protection for all critical areas of both the driver and rear passenger. Whiplash protection was also deemed effective in simulated rear-end collision tests.
For child occupant protection (COP), the Kodiaq performed exceptionally well in both frontal and side impact tests, offering robust protection for all critical body areas of 6 and 10-year-old dummies. However, neck protection for the 10-year-old dummy was rated slightly lower, marked as "adequate." The Kodiaq allows for rear-facing child seats by conveniently deactivating the front passenger airbag, with clear indicators informing the driver of the airbag status. Nonetheless, the Kodiaq lacks a child presence detection system.
The tested Kodiaq variant was equipped with essential safety features, including:
Six airbags
ISOFIX mounts on the front passenger and rear seats
Seat belt reminders with pre-tensioners for all seats
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
These features contribute to Kodiaq's high safety ratings and emphasize Skoda's commitment to passenger safety.
The Skoda Kodiaq's 5-star Euro NCAP rating underscores its superior safety standards, making it a highly anticipated model in the Indian market. With its robust safety features and excellent crash test performance, the new-gen Kodiaq is set to make a strong impact upon its launch.
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