Now with Virtus and Slavia scoring 5 stars in GNCAP’s updated crash tests, all four vehicles underpinned by MQB A0 IN offer excellent safety
When Volkswagen Virtus scored 5 Stars in Latin NCAP crash testing, we were hoping similar ratings to be achieved back home. That is exactly what has happened. The INDIA 2.0 program by Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has left no stone unturned in bolstering its safety credentials in the Indian automotive market.
The idea behind INDIA 2.0 program was to engineer global standard cars in India, to be sold in both domestic and export markets. India-spec Virtus and Slavia impressively scored 5 stars in both adult and child safety under GNCAP’s updated protocols. Let’s take a closer look.
Volkswagen Virtus Scored 5 Stars In Updated GNCAP Protocols
This is not the first time Volkswagen and Skoda are demonstrating good safety credentials. In fact, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq were the very first cars to be tested under GNCAP’s updated crash testing protocols. Both of them had passed with flying colours by scoring a full fat 5 stars.
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 develop and offer #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.”
Technical Details Of Crash Testing Procedure
The tested models only came with dual front airbags as standard along with seatbelt pretensioners, seat belt reminders and load limiters for front seat occupants. No fancy pelvis, knee, chest, side and curtain airbags. ISOFIX mounts were offered at rear only. ESC and pedestrian protection under GTR 9 and UN 127 were standard.
To assess occupant protection, Virtus and Slavia were subjected to frontal offset deformable barrier test, side movable deformable barrier test and side pole impact test. In total, Virtus and Slavia scored a total of 29.71 points in adult occupant protection out of 34 points and scored 42 points out of 49 points in child occupant protection.
Frontal tests revealed that the driver and front passenger had good head, knee and thigh protection. Driver’s tibias and both front occupant’s chests showed adequate protection. The overall body shell was rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loads. Child seats for both 18 month and 3 year old’s were installed rear-facing, and were enough to offer protection.
