First class
The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia score a five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests
GLOBAL NCAP HAS REVEALED THE first round of crash test results for 2023 as a part of its #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, with the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia scoring a five-star safety rating in the crash tests. Global NCAP also tested two Maruti Suzukis, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and the Alto K10, and the duo’s performance in the crash test was far from impressive, scoring a one-star and two-star rating respectively.
The GNCAP crash tests are considered the gold standard when it comes to evaluating crash safety, and despite the test demanding more stringent requirements, the Slavia and the
Virtus which are built on the same MQB-A0-IN platform made in India, scored a full five stars for adult as well as child occupant protection. This platform is also employed in the Taigun and Kushaq SUVs, which scored five stars in the GNCAP crash tests as well. However, the Virtus and Slavia scored marginally better than their SUV siblings in terms of adult occupant safety,
The Slavia and Virtus are based on the MQB-A0-IN platform
with 29.71 points out of 34 compared to the SUV’s 29.64 points. These scores are from the top-spec variants of the sedans which offer up to six airbags.
Compared to the Virtus and Slavia, the performance of the WagonR and the Alto K10 from Maruti Suzuki was dismal, with the Alto K10 scoring just two stars for adult protection and the WagonR scoring a single star. Both hatchbacks scored zero stars when it came to child occupant protection.
The crash test results are also a revelation of sorts, demonstrating that safer cars can be made in India at prices which the market accepts. And with safety gaining greater importance in car buying decisions, it definitely sets the precedent for leading manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki to incorporate better safety in their products. ⌧