Skoda Kushaq Sets The Benchmark For Safety In India

Back in July 2018 Skoda announced its ambitious India 2.0 project which was also one of the largest investments in the Indian automotive sector. Based on the international MQB platform, Skoda India developed the MQB-A0-IN. This was developed by teams in India and the Czech Republic specifically for the Indian market. Skoda kickstarted the India 2.0 project with the Kushaq in July 2021, precisely 3 years from India 2.0 by understanding India’s rising affection towards SUVs. 

Skoda For Safety

In a highly competent and crowded market where safety usually takes a back seat, Skoda promised the India-developed MQB-A0-IN platform will deliver on the safety prospects that we have come to expect from Skoda and its global products. The Czech brand has always been synonymous with safety in India right from the original Octavia in 2002 which first introduced us to the tank-like build quality. Every other model that followed stepped up the safety aspect and the India-specific models are no different. Although heavily localised and tailored for the Indian buyer, Skoda designed the MQB-A0-IN to meet and surpass prevailing safety norms.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

The effort shows with the Kushaq scoring a perfect five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test. Mind you, this is under GNCAP’s new, even more stringent norms that older cars tested haven’t been through. Staying true to the brand’s promise on safety, the made-in-India, made-for-India MQB-A0-IN has actually surpassed on the safety expectations. The Kushaq is the safest family car in India, demonstrated by its 29.64 points out of 34 for adult occupant safety and 42 out of a possible 49 points for child protection. Not only is this the highest score for any made-in-India vehicle tested by Global NCAP, it is also the first made-in-India car to get a full 5 stars for both adult and child safety. 

Behind The Scenes - The Comprehensive Safety Kit

The Kushaq happens to be the first premium mid-sized SUV in India to offer Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard across all variants. Dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, multi-collision braking, motor slip regulation, rollover protection, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat mounts are also offered as standard fitment across the range. Other safety kit include six airbags, hill hold assist, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, a rear parking camera,rear parking sensors and cruise control in the higher variants as well.

The comprehensive safety kit on offer with stellar construction, rigid body structure and crash absorbent engineering means the five-star rating doesn’t come as a surprise. Skoda has not only delivered on its commitment to India but has also stood by its long legacy of well-engineered cars that never skimped on safety.

Speaking about the Skoda Kushaq’s safety package, Mr.Petr Šolc, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India, said,

“At ŠKODA, safety is not just a feature. It is an essential part of our brand DNA. Today, I am extremely proud to share that the KUSHAQ has received a 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP for both adult and child occupants, making it the first car made in India to do so. It is a proud moment for all of us at ŠKODA to have India’s safest family car leading our growth story in India. The KUSHAQ, along with the SLAVIA, drives the success of ŠKODA’s INDIA 2.0 project. In a very short time, it has created a space for itself among SUV enthusiasts across the country. The intelligent, Simply Clever solutions and advanced safety features have been appreciated by experts as well as our valuable customers.”

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