Skoda Superb Euro NCAP crash test

5 stars. Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test.  Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and front passenger and Skoda showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and those sat in different positions.  In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection of the driver's chest was marginal and that of the rear passenger's neck and chest was adequate, with good protection of other body regions.  In the side barrier test the Superb scored maximum points with good protection of all critical parts of the body.  In the more severe side pole test, protection of the chest was adequate and that of other critical body regions was good.  Tests indicated good protection against whiplash injuries for the front seat occupants and a geometric assessment indicated marginal whiplash protection for those in the rear seats.  An autonomous emergency braking system is available on the Superb, as standard in some countries and as an option in others.  Its performance in Euro NCAP's low-speed 'city' tests was good but the system did not qualify for scoring as it is not standard equipment throughout Europe.

The Superb scored maximum points in the dynamic tests for its protection of the 1½ year dummy, sat in a rearward-facing restraint.  Forward movement of the head of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward-facing restraint, was not excessive and, other than marginally high neck tension, protection of that dummy was also good.  In the side barrier test, both child dummies were properly contained within the protective shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of head contact with parts of the vehicle interior.  The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing restraint to be used in that seating position.  Clear information is provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag and the system was rewarded.  All of the restraint types for which the car is designed could be properly installed and accommodated in the Superb.

The bumper provided predominantly good protection to pedestrians' legs.  The Superb scored maximum points for the protection it offered to the pelvis area.  The bonnet surface offered protection that was predominantly adequate with some weak or poor results seen on the stiff bonnet edges and windscreen pillars.

Electronic stability control is standard equipment, along with a seatbelt reminder for the front and rear seats.  A lane support system is available as an option but is not expected to be sold in high enough numbers to qualify for assessment by Euro NCAP.  The driver-set speed assist system is not standard throughout but is expected to be sold in high enough numbers to be included in the assessment.  The autonomous emergency braking system is expected to be fitted to most cars sold and its performance at speeds typical of highway driving was rated as good.