VW Slavia and Virtus: India-spec In the most recent round of testing by Global NCAP, both the Skoda Slavia and the VW Virtus received the maximum possible safety rating of 5 stars. The sedans, like the Kushaw and the Taigun, scored the highest possible marks in the new safety tests for both adult and kid occupants.
G-new, NCAP’s more demanding test standards have resulted in the first ever 5-star ratings for a mid-size car, shared by the Skoda Slavia and the Volkswagen Virtus. Yet, it is worth noting that the Kushaq, Taigun, and Scorpio-N were the first vehicles to be awarded the maximum 5-star rating under the revised criteria.
All vehicles are now tested for both frontal and side impact protection as part of Global NCAP’s updated crash test protocols. In addition, evaluations for pedestrian safety, side impact pole protection, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are required before a vehicle can be awarded the maximum possible five stars.
Skoda Slavia/VW Virtus adult safety
When it comes to adult occupant safety, the midsize sedans made by Skoda and VW scored 29.71 out of 34, just 0.07 points more than the SUVs. Head and neck protection in the Slavia and Virtus were evaluated as good, while chest protection was rated as adequate.
Both the Slavia and the Virtus scored a 14.2 out of 17 in the side-impact test with a deformable barrier, indicating sufficient protection for the occupants. Both vehicles were rated as “OK” in the side pole impact testing, but only adequate in the chest area.
According to GNCAP, both the Slavia and the Virtus had stable bodyshells and footwell areas that could bear additional loadings. The vehicles also performed exceptionally well in tests designed to gauge their safety for young passengers, earning a perfect score of 5 stars (42/49). The cars obtained a perfect 12 points for having a properly installed CRS, and a perfect 24 points for their dynamic score.
Dummies representing an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old were used in safety tests for the Slavia and the Virtus, respectively. Both were installed in the backseat utilizing i-size anchorages and a support leg. The CRS eliminated any risk of injury to the head during a frontal collision and fully protected passengers from side impacts.
All seats feature 3-point seatbelts, but the front passenger airbag will remain active if a CRS with a rearward facing child seat is installed.
MQB-A0-IN
The MQB A0 IN platform was developed specifically for the Indian market, and the first vehicles built on it were the Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun. The MQB A0 platform, which supports a wide variety of vehicles across worldwide markets, served as inspiration for this one, which was designed to be affordable in developing nations like India. The platform was developed with economy in mind, however recent crash tests by Global NCAP show that it meets or exceeds the safety requirements of its European competitors.
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