Global NCAP has announced the results of VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia. Both these sedans have achieved a 5-star rating for both Adult and Child Protection in the Global NCAP crash tests. The Skoda Slavia and VW Virtus have set a new benchmark of safety in the sedan segment of the Indian market.
Elaborating on the NCAP report
Volkswagen and Skoda launched the Virtus and Slavia last year as a replacement for Vento and Rapid. Now, both sedans have scored 5 stars in the Global NCAP. Under this test, the body shell integrity is stable due to side impact protection and the robust platform. The Slavia and Virtus have scored 29.71/34 points for adult protection and 42/49 points for child protection.
In terms of safety impact, both the driver and co-driver have good overall protection on frontal and side collision tests. The driver receives overall good protection with minor impact. However, the safety of the co-driver is better with minimal impact during front and side collisions. In conclusion, the efforts of the brand have been significant in ensuring safety, and both sedans have excelled in this aspect.
Safety Features of Virtus and Slavia
The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are equipped with a range of active and passive safety features to ensure the safety of all passengers. For starters, these sedans are equipped with up to 6-airbags, overspeed warnings, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, and 3-point seat belts. In terms of braking and traction, both these sedans feature ABS, EBD, ESP, hill assist, and traction control systems.
But, the Virtus gets standard brake assist and Slavia gets a standard differential lock system. Some additional safety features include speed sensing door lock, rear parking assist, multi-collision brakes with wiping, rain, and light sensors. Additionally, the cars have impact-absorbing body components and side impact protection beams in the doors.
Global NCAP updates the norms for Crash Test
Global NCAP has updated its crash test norms to evaluate the frontal and side impact protection of all tested models. The high-rated vehicles will undergo the tests like electronic stability control (ESC), pedestrian protection, and side impact pole protection. The ESC of Slavia and Virtus has demonstrated a robust structure in the frontal impact. The ESC has also provided excellent protection for adult occupants. In the side impact scenarios, they provided marginal to excellent protection for adult safety. Child occupants also received full protection during both front and side impacts. These tests have emphasized the high safety standards maintained by Global NCAP.
Future and Vision of the Brand
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India is committed to producing vehicles that meet global quality and safety standards. This dedication has set a benchmark in the Indian automobile industry. The INDIA 2.0 models have gained popularity in India and overseas, and the Group plans to expand its export footprint. Currently, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India exports to various markets like South America, Africa, the Gulf countries, and other regions in Asia. Soon, they will start exporting parts of the Škoda Kushaq and Škoda Slavia. These parts will be assembled in Vietnam for the Vietnamese market by the end of 2024.
Official Statement
Commenting on this achievement, Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said, “Safety has always been part of our DNA, and that continues to be a focus for us with our current and future product portfolio. The highest safety rating from Global NCAP for the Škoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus further cements the Group’s position as the leading European car manufacturer with the safest portfolio of cars in India. This is a testament to our commitment to developing and offering #SaferCarsForIndia. The full 5-star rating by Global NCAP for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection received by all four vehicles produced on our MQB-A0-IN platform reaffirms the Group’s INDIA 2.0 success story. The fine balance of comfort, driving dynamics, and safety offered by our made-in-India models are gaining popularity not just here but also opening up export opportunities for the Group.”
Christian Cahn von Seelen, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Digital, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said, “We are proud to have raised the bar in terms of safety standards with each new vehicle we introduce. The Group offers the widest range of cars in India and the common thread that binds all our products is the exceptional packaging – in terms of dynamic drive, features that matter, comfortable ride, and most importantly – unparalleled safety. We are confident that the Škoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus will continue to win the admiration of Indian car buyers, especially those who are conscious about the well-being of their friends and family they drive with.”