In the latest round of crash tests conducted by the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), which saw seven models – including the Mercedes-Benz EQC – undergo the safety agency’s rigorous testing procedures, the Czech automaker Skoda’s smallest SUV, the Kamiq, has secured a full 5-star safety rating.
The star rating is a result of a 96 percent score in adult occupant protection and 85 percent for that of a child occupant. Safety of vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists, has been pegged at 80 percent and the SUV’s driver assist functions’ effectiveness is rated at 76 percent.
Euro NCAP further stated that the Kamiq’s passenger compartment remained stable and protection of all critical body areas of the occupants was good or adequate in the various tests undertaken.
A suite of safety systems helped the Kamiq achieve the high rating. This includes front and side airbags, seat-belt reminder and pretensioner along with load limiter, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), speed assistance and lane assist systems fitted as standard across the SUV’s complete variant line-up in Europe.
The Skoda SUV is of particular interest to the Indian market as, under the Volkswagen Group’s ‘India 2.0 Project’, the Czech automaker is gearing up to launch an all-new SUV in India that would be based on the Kamiq. The production model of the SUV will be previewed by a concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. However, it must be noted that the India-spec model will be based on a heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform and may not be equipped with all of the safety kit as the international model.
The India 2.0 plan envisages bringing a total of four new models to our shores. Following the India-spec Kamiq will be the similarly-sized Volkswagen T-Cross SUV that would take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in our market. Post that, replacements of the aging Skoda Rapid and VW Vento midsize sedans are also on the cards for India.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
