In the latest round of the Euro NCAP crash tests, Skoda’s new Kodiaq has been awarded a maximum five star rating.

Occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems are all assessed in the European New Car Assessment Programme, with the Kodiaq scoring 92 percent for occupant protection of adult passengers.

In the side-barrier collision test, the Kodiaq achieved full marks for good protection of all vulnerable areas of the body at a risk of injury. The high degree of protection for the cervical spine in the event of a rear-impact collision was also noted. Euro NCAP mentioned the ‘good operation’ of the standard emergency brake system, which works well at low speeds – as is typical when driving in the city – and also prevents almost all collisions at motorway speeds. As well as protecting its occupants, the SUV also protects pedestrians - being awarded maximum points for the protection to pedestrians’ offered by the car’s bumper. Good ratings were also given for pelvis and good or adequate protection for a large proportion of the head area.

The new Kodiaq comes with up to 9 airbags, including driver and front-seat passenger airbags, side airbags in the front, curtain airbags, drive's knee airbag and side airbags in the rear. Functions also include automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of emergency braking, automatic door unlocking and activation of the warning hazard lights and interruption of the fuel supply in the event of a collision. If a collision is imminent, the proactive occupant protection system Crew Protect Assist closes the windows and sunroof, and tensions the front seat belts. Following an accident, Multi-Collision Brake prevents the car from continuing to travel in an uncontrolled manner.

In addition, the Skoda Kodiaq is fitted with numerous cameras as well as radar- and sensor-based systems. With Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Emergency Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, Skoda offers further important safety assistance. A Driver Alert fatigue detection system also monitors the driver’s behaviour and warns the driver if it detects fatigue.

Euro NCAP is an association of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance federations based in Belgium. It carries out crash tests with current car models and then rates the safety of the car based on the safety systems available.