The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq achieved an impressive 5-star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, scoring 89 percent for adult occupant protection (AOP), 83 percent for child occupant protection, 78 percent for safety assist systems and 82 percent for vulnerable road users (VRU).
- Kodiaq was tested in its diesel 4x4 spec in LHD configuration
- Passenger cell rated stable in frontal offset test
- Second-gen Kodiaq to launch in India by mid-2025
Skoda is currently testing the second-gen Kodiaq in India, and it has already been spied on a couple of occasions. Expected by mid-2025, it will arrive as a completely knocked-down unit (CKD) for local assembly. The model tested by Euro NCAP was a left-hand drive unit in diesel 4x4 spec. Although the India-spec Kodiaq will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Euro NCAP test results still provide relevant insights for the model headed to India.
The tested Kodiaq gets safety features such as 6 airbags, seat belt reminders with pretensioners for all seats, ISOFIX mounts on the front passenger and rear seats, and ADAS features.
Skoda Kodiaq adult occupant protection test
The Kodiaq's bodyshell received a stable rating in the frontal offset test, with the dummies showing good protection to the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. Critical body areas of the passenger were well-protected, although, there were instances where the deformable impact barrier 'bottomed out', resulting in a penalty. In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection was rated good or adequate for all critical body areas of the driver and rear passenger. In both the side barrier and pole impact tests, protection of all critical body areas was good and the car scored maximum points in this part of the assessment. Additionally, tests on the front seats and head restraints indicated effective protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Skoda Kodiaq child occupant protection score
In both the frontal offset and side barrier tests, the Kodiaq provided good protection to all critical body parts of both 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies. However, neck protection for the 10-year-old dummy was rated as adequate. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to use a rearward-facing child restraint in that seating position, with clear communication of its status to the driver. Notably, the Kodiaq does not feature a child presence detection system.
Skoda Kodiaq safety assist systems test
The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system demonstrated good performance in tests of its reaction to other vehicles. The lane support system gently corrects the vehicle’s path to prevent drifting out of lane and intervenes in more critical situations. The speed assistance system detects the local speed limit, and the driver can opt for automatic setting of the limiter by the system.
Skoda Kodiaq vulnerable road users test
Protection of the head of a struck pedestrian or cyclist was predominantly adequate, with poor results recorded on the still windscreen pillars and at the base of the screen. The AEB system’s response to pedestrians was adequate and good in tests of its response to cyclists, including for ‘dooring’, where a door is suddenly opened in the path of a cyclist approaching from behind. It also scored well in lane assist systems.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
