Skoda places maximum priority on vehicle safety through design, simulation and rigorous physical testing. The brand operates a modern crash-laboratory at the Polygon Test Centre in Úhelnice, expanded in 2020 and recognised with industry awards.
All 15 new Skoda models introduced since 2008 achieved five-star NCAP ratings; in 2021 the Fabia and Enyaq iV were named the safest in their classes.
The Polygon Test Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities for full-vehicle and component testing. Its comprehensive expansion in 2020 improved testing capacity and capabilities.
Skoda recorded its first crash test in May 1972. The company has developed specialised test procedures over decades to evaluate and improve vehicle safety.
Skoda runs extensive virtual simulations in the design phase to optimise stiffness, durability and crash behaviour. Around 1,000 computer simulations precede full-vehicle tests, and about 140 simulations precede component tests.
Ensuring maximum safety for its vehicles is Skoda's stated top priority. Promoting safety is a long-standing brand tradition: the Skoda 100 is recorded as the first vehicle to undergo a crash test in May 1972. Today the company uses advanced simulation and a modern crash laboratory to integrate findings early in vehicle development.
Testing and recognition
The Polygon Test Centre in Úhelnice was comprehensively expanded in 2020 and has been recognised by industry media. Skoda reports that all 15 new models introduced since 2008 have achieved the highest five-star rating in NCAP reference tests and Global NCAP crash safety tests. In 2021, the Fabia and Enyaq iV were named the safest vehicles in their respective classes.
Active and passive safety systems
Integration from design to physical testing
Right from the design stage Skoda simulates loading conditions and crash behaviour on virtual systems. Relevant characteristics such as stiffness, durability and crash response are optimised virtually before a real prototype is built. After virtual validation, vehicles and individual components undergo a series of live physical crash tests to confirm performance.
Global results
Skoda models have also achieved top ratings outside Europe. Global NCAP awarded the Skoda Kushaq a five-star rating for adult and child occupant protection. The brand has received five-star ANCAP ratings in Australia and New Zealand for models including the Fabia, Kamiq, Octavia, Scala, Karoq and Kodiaq.
Company statement
Skoda emphasises that its technical development integrates extensive expertise to improve active and passive safety across the vehicle range, making advanced assistance systems available even on entry-level models and using its crash laboratory to inform development from an early stage.