Car companies in India have a new race: the race to make the safest car. Skoda has a new entrant in the form of the India-bound Kodiaq. How safe is it? 5-star level according to the Euro NCAP crash tests. The Kodiaq is one of many models that score well on crash tests, with the Kushaq and Slavia qualifying as India's safest cars. Here is a detailed analysis of the result.
Adult Occupant Protection of Kodiaq 2024
Regarding Adult Occupant Protection, the Kodiaq scored 35.7 (89 per cent) points out of the maximum 40 in Euro NCAP. This score was divided into 4 parts: Frontal Impact, Lateral Impact, Rear Impact and Rescue and Extrication. It scored 11 out of 16 points in frontal impact, 16 out of 16 in lateral impact, 4 out of 4 in Rear impact and 4 on 4 in Rescue & Extrication.
While critical body areas for the passenger were generally well-protected, there was a minor penalty due to the deformable barrier nearing its performance limits in some instances. The full-width rigid barrier test demonstrated excellent or adequate protection for all critical regions of both the driver and rear passenger. Additionally, whiplash protection proved to be effective in simulated rear-end collision scenarios.
Child Occupant Protection of Kodiaq 2024
In Child Occupant Protection, Kodiaq achieved 40.9 points (83 per cent) out of the total 50 points. It scored 23.9 points out of 24 in Crash Test Performance based on 6—and 10-year-old children, 6 out of 13 points in safety features, and 11 out of 12 points in CRS Installation Check. For rear-facing child seats, the front passenger airbag can be easily deactivated, and the car clearly communicates the airbag status to the driver. However, the Kodiaq lacks a child presence detection system.
Vulnerable Road User Protection of Kodiaq 2024
The Kodiaq scored 51.7 points (82 per cent) out of 63. Protection for a pedestrian or cyclist's head hit by the SUV was generally adequate but poor when struck by the windscreen or pillars. Protection levels for their other body parts were mostly good. Skoda's autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, responsible for reacting to vulnerable road users and other vehicles, was also tested in these crash tests. The system's response to pedestrians was adequate. At the same time, its performance in tests involving cyclists was good, including in 'dooring' scenarios where a door is suddenly opened in the path of an approaching cyclist.
Safety Assist Score of Kodiaq 2024
Regarding Safety Assists, Kodiaq scored 14.2 points (78 per cent) out of the maximum 18. This includes 1.7 points out of 3 in Speed Assistance, meaning the protection is adequate; 1.3 out of 3 in Occupant Status Monitoring, making it marginal; a perfect 3 on 3 in lane support, which categorises it as good; and 8.2 out of 9 in AEB Car-to-Car, which also means good protection.
India Launch of Kodiaq 2024
The Next generation of the Kodiaq is set to launch in India by mid-2025. It has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. It is expected to be locally assembled using completely knocked-down (CKD) kits in India.
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