Car safety: All-new models Škoda Kodiaq and Superb achieve five-star Euro NCAP rating

Top ratings for the all-new Škoda Kodiaq and Superb. Both models have achieved the maximum five stars in the independent Euro NCAP crash safety reference test. The Škoda Kodiaq achieved 84%, while the Škoda Superb achieved 87% of the total maximum points. This continues the consistent string of top NCAP ratings for the Czech carmaker, even under the more stringent assessment criteria introduced in 2023. Each new Škoda model since 2008 has achieved a five-star rating.

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, says: “The safety of our customers and all other road users is our top priority. Therefore, we are delighted to receive five-star ratings for the second-generation Škoda Kodiaq and fourth-generation Škoda Superb in the Euro NCAP test. We are particularly proud of our strong results for Adult and Child Occupant protection. The fact that we have extended our successful record of five-star evaluations for our vehicles even after the more stringent test parameters were introduced in 2023 confirms our clear commitment to the highest safety standards.”

Top scores for Adult and Child Occupant protection; high ratings for Vulnerable Road User protection and assistance systems
Under the more stringent 2023 criteria set by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), the new Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat— jointly developed by Škoda Auto as part of the Beta+ project—along with the new Škoda Kodiaq, received five-star ratings for Adult and Child Occupant protection. The Kodiaq achieved 84% of the total maximum points, scoring 89% for Adult Occupant protection, 83% for Child Occupant protection, 82% for Vulnerable Road User protection, and 78% for Safety Assist systems. The Superb achieved 87% of the total maximum points, scoring 93% for Adult Occupant protection, 87% for Child Occupant protection, 82% for Vulnerable Road User protection, and 80% for Safety Assist systems. This rating positions the Superb as the second-safest car in the 2024 Euro NCAP rankings.

High level of passive safety in both models
The car body of both models has been designed according to the latest standards and incorporates hot-formed, high-strength steel components. This steel is mainly used on the A and B-pillars, the firewall, and the tunnel console. In an accident, the occupants of both models are protected not only by the rigid bodywork and generous crumple zones but also by up to ten airbags for the Škoda Superb and up to nine airbags for the Škoda Kodiaq, including a central airbag between the front seats in both cars.

Comprehensive assistance systems improve safety
Numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems in both models alert the driver to potential collisions in many situations and actively help to prevent them or minimise the consequences. These include Front Assist with predictive pedestrian and cyclist protection, Side Assist including Rear Traffic Alert, as well as Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, Crossroad Assist and Exit Warning. Travel Assist actively supports the driver in longitudinally and laterally controlling the vehicle and, along with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), also includes Adaptive Lane Assist with roadworks recognition, Crew Protect Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist. New nano radar sensors positioned in the right and left corners of the front apron further enhance the performance of assistance systems such as Front Assist or Crossroad Assist. The nano radar sensors in the rear apron increase the range of Side Assist. The new Attention and Drowsiness Assist monitors driver behaviour, assesses the driver’s potential level of fatigue and triggers visual and acoustic warnings in the Virtual Cockpit if necessary.

Euro NCAP assessments since 1997
Founded in 1997 with its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a collaboration among transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations, and research institutes from eight European countries. The programme involves conducting crash tests on current vehicle models, assessing their active and passive safety features, as well as their capacities for rescue and recovery. Since 2020, adjustments to the criteria have been made every three years, extending the scope to include tertiary safety aspects such as the Emergency Call feature and disseminating information about vehicle damage for integrated rescue operations.