Octavia scores top marks for safety

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has awarded Škoda’s third-generation Octavia mid-sizer a maximum five-star safety rating.

The commendation sees the Octavia join other Škoda models -- including the Roomster, Yeti and Suberb, but not the Fabia -- in achieving top safety marks, and applies to all front-wheel drive variants in both sedan (hatch) and wagon body styles.

ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh said Škoda’s range of safety assist technologies were a contributor to the vehicle’s high score, but noted that these are not offered across the entire model range.

It’s a similar story with rear side airbags, which are again offered only on higher model grades. However, it should be noted that all Octavia models are equipped as standard with seven airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control.

“The inclusion of active safety assist technologies which can help prevent or minimise the impact of a crash is vital if we are to further reduce the number of lives lost on our roads,” said McIntosh.

“Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane support systems and adaptive lighting are examples of the technologies consumers should be urging manufacturers to offer as standard in all new makes and models.”

The new Škoda Octavia was also awarded a five-star safety score in recent European NCAP testing.

The model scored particularly highly in adult occupant protection with a 93 per cent result. Child occupant safety received an 86 per cent grade while pedestrian safety and safety assist technology tied on an above-average 66 per cent.

Škoda made much ado about the new Octavia’s driver aids at the model’s international launch in January this year.

In developing the model, it said the improvement of electronic safety systems were “an important goal”, introducing a suite of new technologies including a frontal assist and emergency braking system, lane-keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control, multi-collision braking and automatic brake actuation, self-activating high beam lights, Crew Protection Assistant and a fatigue detection system.

Grade-dependent, the systems listed above are offered in addition to more commonplace electronic driver and supplementary restraint systems including up to nine airbags (depending on variant), anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control.

ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorages are also fitted, as are three-point seatbelts and anti-whiplash head restraints.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our full launch review of the new Škoda Octavia range.

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