The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia, which share the same MQB-A0-IN design as the SUVs, have achieved a five-star GNCAP certification under the revised test protocol, making them the first sedans built in India to do so.
Highlights
- The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia score the highest ratings for adult protection.
- Additionally, the child occupant protection rating for both sedans was awarded five stars.
- According to Global NCAP, the two automobiles’ bodyshells can sustain additional weight.
The Virtus and Slavia have achieved five stars in the most recent round of Global NCAP (GNCAP) crash tests, a somewhat repeat result. These outcomes follow the remarkable GNCAP ratings of the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, which were both awarded five stars in the crash tests, which occurred a little over six months ago.
Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia: adult occupant protection rating
On the front of adult occupant protection, the Slavia and Virtus performed slightly better than their SUV siblings, earning 29.71 points out of a possible 34, or a full five-star rating. For the frontal crash test, Global NCAP employed the entry-level model, which has two airbags, ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), and a seatbelt reminder system. The driver’s and passenger’s heads and necks were well protected; their chest regions had “adequate” to “good” protection; and their knees and tibias had “adequate” to “good” protection, according to GNCAP’s report.
Adult occupant head, chest, and abdominal protection received an “adequate” rating from GNCAP during the side impact test. GNCAP employed a version of the automobile with side airbags for the side pole impact test, noting that the car provided good protection for the occupants’ heads, abdomens, and pelvises, with “marginal” protection for the chest region. The sedans’ body shells, according to GNCAP, were stable upon impact and could bear further pressure.
Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia: Child occupant protection rating
The Slavia and Virtus performed similarly to the Taigun and Kushaq in terms of child occupant protection, earning 42 out of a potential 49 points and a five-star rating. The heads of the 3-year-old and 18-month-old child dummies had “full protection” during the frontal impact tests because the child seat was able to prevent head exposure when it was installed facing backwards using the i-size anchorages. The dummies also had adequate protection during the side impact tests.
Volkswagen and Skoda shine as Maruti falters in the latest GNCAP tests
In sharp contrast to the outcomes for the other vehicles that Global NCAP tested in the most recent round of crash testing, the Volkswagen-Skoda combination received good marks. Alongside the Slavia and Virtus’ fantastic five-star ratings came the Maruti Suzuki Waggon R’s depressing one-star rating and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10’s two-star rating.
“Since 2014, Global NCAP has supported India’s automotive industry’s journey towards safer vehicles. The encouraging response from Indian automakers, as well as a few multinational automakers, has delighted us. We have not yet seen this safety commitment implemented in the most popular Maruti Suzuki vehicles, notwithstanding some minor progress.
The only cars to receive five stars under the new, stricter Global NCAP test criteria are the Virtus and Slavia, Taigun, Kushaq, and Mahindra Scorpio N. After its launch in 2022, the sedan twins served as the centrepiece for the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 chapter and continue to be a major contributor to the group’s volume growth.
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