New Skoda Fabia tops Euro NCAP crash test for small cars

The new Škoda Fabia is the safest small car according to the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. In November 2014, the new Škoda model achieved the highest score in its segment, becoming the only one of 14 small cars to get five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The Euro NCAP evaluation is based on the results in the categories of passenger protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection, and supporting safety systems.

"With innovative safety systems and a comprehensive safety package, our new model is setting standards in its segment. Receiving the award for being the safest small car in the Euro NCAP crash tests confirms this once again," said Dr Frank Welsch, Škoda Board Member for Technical Development.

The new Škoda Fabia was awarded the best rating of five stars by Euro NCAP in all four evaluation categories (passenger protection for adults, child safety, safety assistance systems and pedestrian protection). The maximum possible score was given for the protection of infants up to 18 months. The safety of children up to three years of also received a high rating.

The car features safety innovations previously reserved for vehicles from higher classes. In the UK, it comes with Front Assistant with integrated City Emergency Brake function as standard from SE specification. The system uses radar to constantly measure the distance to the vehicle in front, and intervenes if the car is too close.

The Fabia also features a multi-collision brake, reducing the risk of a subsequent crash following a collision in the road. Furthermore, it now comes with optional Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue recognition), and safety systems including a speed limiter, Hill Hold Control and an electronic tyre pressure monitoring system.

The safety package in the car provides the best possible protection in the event of an accident. Six airbags – front, side and head – protect passengers in combination with five three-point seat belts. A high-strength body and optimised crumple zones form the basis of increased passive safety.

Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is an independent consortium of European transport ministries, automobile associations, insurers and consumer advocates. The organisation performs crash tests on new types of vehicle, assessing their safety.

Further reading: Nissan Qashqai is Euro NCAP's safest small family car of 2014