Volkswagen Tera, Skoda Kylak Rival, Secures 5-Star Rating from Latin NCAP

Volkswagen’s compact SUV, the Tera, has made headlines by earning a 5-star safety rating from Latin NCAP, highlighting the brand’s focus on safety in emerging markets. Positioned as a direct rival to models like the Skoda Kylaq, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos, the Tera is expected to play a key role in Volkswagen’s global SUV strategy. While the Tera hasn’t been officially confirmed for India, its strong safety record strengthens its case for a potential future launch.

Latin NCAP Crash Test Results

The Volkswagen Tera achieved standout scores in various safety categories during Latin NCAP’s rigorous crash testing:

• Adult occupant protection: 89.88%

• Child occupant safety: 87.25%

• Pedestrian and vulnerable road user protection: 75.77%

• Safety assist technologies: 84.76%

The SUV comes with six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard across all variants. Some versions also offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support.

Child Safety Performance

The Tera performed admirably in tests designed to evaluate child passenger safety. Its scores include:

• 12/12 for child seat installation

• 9/13 for vehicle-level child safety evaluation

• 21.75/24 in crash simulations

During testing, child dummies were seated rear-facing with ISOFIX mounts and support legs. These setups prevented head contact in the event of a crash, though chest protection was rated as average.

Crash Test Scenarios and Structural Integrity

Latin NCAP tested the Tera in various conditions, including:

• Frontal offset impacts

• Side collisions

• Side pole impacts

• Whiplash protection evaluations

• Pedestrian safety assessments

In all these scenarios, the Tera’s structure performed strongly. The SUV maintained stability in the bodyshell and footwell area. Both the driver and passenger enjoyed excellent protection for the head, neck, and knees.

While tibia protection was rated adequate, chest protection varied — rated as marginal for the driver and good for the front passenger. Despite the chest protection being moderate in certain side impacts, the Tera offered excellent protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis. The SUV's structure was deemed stable and capable of withstanding additional impact forces.

Active Safety Features

The Tera’s safety package extends beyond passive protection. The SUV’s AEB system nearly achieved full marks, demonstrating reliable performance in various simulated conditions. Other features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Assist, and Speed Assist were evaluated, although some weren’t available in all markets or trims, which limited their contribution to the overall score.

Expected Powertrain

While Volkswagen hasn’t officially revealed the engine options or transmission details for the Tera, reports suggest it may come equipped with a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine. This three-cylinder motor is expected to deliver around 115 bhp of power and 178 Nm of torque, offering a balance of performance and efficiency ideal for city and highway use.

The powertrain details will play a crucial role in how the Tera competes in markets like India, where fuel efficiency and performance are key decision factors for SUV buyers.

The Tera’s Position in the Market

With its strong safety performance, modern design, and potential for efficient powertrains, the Volkswagen Tera looks set to challenge popular models like the Skoda Kylaq, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos. As safety becomes an increasingly important consideration for buyers, the Tera’s 5-star Latin NCAP rating could give it a competitive edge if and when it enters new markets like India.