Skoda enhances safety standards; Kushaq and Slavia now offer 6 airbags, receives 5 star from GNCAP

Skoda has elevated safety standards across its lineup, particularly focusing on the Kushaq and Slavia models by introducing six airbags as standard. While this enhancement is accompanied by a slight price adjustment, it underscores the brand's commitment to ensuring top-tier safety features for its customers. The Kushaq is now priced between Rs 11.99 lakh and Rs 19.79 lakh, while the Slavia ranges from Rs 11.63 lakh to Rs 18.83 lakh, all prices being ex-showroom, India.

Previously, the availability of six airbags was restricted to the top-spec Style trim for both the Slavia and the Kushaq. Lower variants like Ambition, Onyx, and Active were equipped with only two airbags. However, with this update, all variants across both models now come standard with six airbags, albeit with a nominal price increase of Rs 10,000 for entry-level versions. Additionally, special edition variants such as the Monte Carlo, Style Edition, and Elegance Edition already feature six airbags as standard.

Both the Kushaq and Slavia have earned 5-star safety ratings from Global NCAP, even in their previous dual airbag specifications. Alongside six airbags, these models boast standard safety features such as ESC, multi-collision braking system, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), brake assist, and traction control.

Comparatively, key rivals of the Kushaq like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate offer six airbags as standard, while models like the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and MG Astor do not. Among Slavia's competitors, both the Hyundai Verna and Honda City come equipped with six airbags as standard. Notably, the Volkswagen counterparts of the Kushaq and Slavia, namely the Taigun SUV and Virtus sedan, are yet to incorporate six airbags as standard.

Mechanically, the Kushaq and Slavia remain unchanged, retaining the reliable 115hp, 150Nm, 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, or the robust 150hp, 250Nm, 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine coupled with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox.