Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun: Score five stars in the Global NCAP crash safety test
The #SaferCarsForIndia movement has definitely gathered some serious steam, and we’re glad to report that the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun both scored a full five stars in the Global NCAP crash safety test. The Kushaq and the Taigun SUVs are underpinned by the MQB-A0-IN platform that is also shared by the the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus sedans, and the fact that this Made-in-India platform complies with the most stringent safety norms is a truly a feather in its cap. As a matter of fact, this also makes them the first models to score a full five stars in the now updated Global NCAP crash tests with more stringent standards.
We’ve always maintained that the Kushaq and the Taigun are the fun to drive benchmarks in the mid-size SUV segment, despite tough competition from rivals like the Kia Seltos, the Hyundai Creta and now, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyrder and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the dynamic brilliance is down to the torsional rigidity of the MQB-A0-IN platform. In fact, the MQB-A0-IN platform only bettered the benchmark set by the VW Polo, and it is no secret that we rated the dynamics of the hatchback very highly. The Kushaq and the Taigun are both manufactured at the Skoda-Volkswagen facility in Chakan, Maharashtra and these Made-in-India SUVs are also exported to global markets. Both the SUVs also pack in a host of safety equipment including six airbags, ESC, ABS, hill hold assist and ISOFIX mounts.
Commenting on the five star NCAP rating, Piyush Arora, managing director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said, “The Volkswagen Group has always focused on providing the highest level of safety across its model range. Safety has always been central to our R&D process. The Made-in-India, Made-for-India MQB-A0-IN platform is no exception. It has been internally tested for various impacts and is developed with a key focus on safety. This is an important milestone and a gratifying accomplishment for us, as both our INDIA 2.0 SUV models have achieved the pinnacle of global safety standards. Christian Cahn von Seelen, executive director of sales and marketing, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India added, “I am proud and humbled that a prestigious organisation like Global NCAP has acknowledged our efforts, awarding the highest safety ratings for the ŠKODA KUSHAQ and Volkswagen TAIGUN, especially the never attained level of child safety.”
