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Five stars for new Škoda Fabia in euro NCAP crash tests

Results underline top-level safety of the new ŠKODA Fabia
Small car provides outstanding occupant protection for adults and children
Innovative safety systems: ESC with Multi-Collision Brake, Front Assistant with City Emergency Braking Function, fatigue detection, Speedlimiter
Highest level of passive safety: six airbags as standard in EU countries

The new ŠKODA Fabia has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The outstanding test results underline the high level safety of the new small car from ŠKODA, which is going to be launched in the first European markets in the next couple of days. The Euro NCAP rating is based on results for occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems.

"One of the aims of the new ŠKODA Fabia development was to bring top-level safety performance to the small car segment," said ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, Dr Frank Welsch. "The maximum five-star rating is confirmation by independent experts that we have achieved this goal and it shows that the new ŠKODA Fabia is one of the safest small cars in the market," said Dr Welsch.

The new ŠKODA Fabia received the maximum five-star rating in all four areas (occupant protection for adults, child safety, safety assistance systems and pedestrian protection). The testers particularly emphasised the stability of the passenger compartment. For the protection of 18-month-old children the new ŠKODA Fabia achieved maximum points, and the protection of three-year-old children was also awarded high marks.

The new ŠKODA Fabia scored well thanks to innovative safety features that were previously reserved for higher vehicle segments. Front Assistant with integrated Emergency Braking Function is available on the new ŠKODA Fabia (in the UK it is standard from SE specification). This system uses a radar sensor to continually measure the distance to the traffic ahead. Whenever the distance is too small, the Assistant intervenes - from warnings to a full automatic emergency stop. Also in the new ŠKODA Fabia is the Multi-Collision Brake which is part of the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Multi-Collision Brake reduces the risk of the vehicle becoming involved in a secondary collision following an accident.

Available for the first time in the new ŠKODA Fabia is the optional Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue detection). Other safety systems include Speedlimiter (standard from SE), Hill-Hold Control and an electronic tyre pressure monitor.

The new ŠKODA Fabia's comprehensive safety package provides the best possible protection in case of an accident. Six airbags - front, side and head airbags - in combination with five three-point seat belts protect the occupants in case of a collision. High body rigidity and specifically optimised body crumple zones form the basis for the high passive safety.

The new ŠKODA Fabia is available to order in the UK now, with first deliveries expected in February.

Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is an independent consortium of European ministries for transport, motoring clubs, insurers and consumer groups. The organisation carries out crash tests with new car models and assesses their safety.

Further information:

Bernd Abel David Haidinger
Head of Product Communications Product Communications
T +420 326 811 731 T +420 326 811 737
bernd.abel@skoda-auto.cz david.haidinger@skoda-auto.cz

For UK-specific information:
Cathie Sleigh Rory Lumsdon
Head of Press and PR Product Affairs Manager
T +44 7710 331 389 T +44 1908 548062 or +44 7940 720187
catherine.sleigh@skoda.co.uk rory.lumsdon@skoda.co.uk
ŠKODA AUTO

is one of the longest-established vehicle production companies in the world. In 1895, the Czech headquarters in Mladá Boleslav began producing bicycles, followed afterwards with the production of motorbikes and cars.
currently has seven passenger car models: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster/Praktik, Rapid, Octavia, Yeti and Superb.
delivered around 920,800 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2013.
has belonged to Volkswagen since 1991. The VW Group is one of the most successful automotive groups in the world. ŠKODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles, as well as components, engines and gear transmissions.
operates at three locations in the Czech Republic, produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan through local partners.
employs over 25,800 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.