Global NCAP has been promoting #SaferCarsForIndia for quite some time. Every few months, they carry out crash test of made in India cars. Almost every popular Indian car crash tested by them, has returned with a 0 star safety rating. It was no different for their latest mule, a Renault Duster base variant.
Launched in India last year, the new Renault Duster facelift’s base variant was crash test by Global NCAP recently. As per the crash test report, the biggest reason for the car to score a 0 star, was because it was not equipped with airbags.
Global NCAP then conducted a crash-test of single airbag equipped Renault Duster (mid-variant). The safety rating of the airbag variant drastically improved the crash test rating to 3 stars out of 5. But, this is still lesser than the international one airbag variant.
Last year, Latin NCAP had crash tested the one-airbag variant of Duster (made in Colombia), and gave it 4 stars. It was surprising to see the made-in-India variant getting one star lesser. Global NCAP reveals why there is a lesser star rating for the India made variant.
As per Global NCAP, ‘Indian Duster airbag was smaller than that of the Latin American Duster. The difference in airbag size brings corresponding differences in protection. With the Indian Duster the head of the driver did not contact the airbag in the centre as it should, exposing the head to impact on the steering wheel and therefore more risk of injuries. This can be seen when the head reaches maximum front excursion and compresses the airbag. The Latin American Duster airbag on the other hand was a larger size and covered the head and chest of the driver. With the head in maximum forward excursion the airbag still shows containment to the head protecting it from the steering wheel.”
Statement from Renault India
“Safety is of paramount importance for Renault and all our products meet and exceed the requisite safety standards set by Indian Regulatory Authorities. India is gradually moving towards international safety norms by including more robust safety regulations and the assurance of the Bharat NCAP is a positive step in this direction. As a customer-focused company, Renault fully supports this initiative and we are already future-ready in terms of technology, design and engineering for enhanced safety for all our vehicles. Indian Government has announced that the crash test regulation for the existing cars will come into effect in 2019 and for the new cars in 2017. Renault fully supports this.”
Speaking about the new Renault Duster, it receives revised headlamp, grille, a new exterior color option, redesigned alloy wheels, reprofiled bumpers and new taillight detailing. Inside, the color theme and seat fabrics are new, while the revised dashboard adopts a glossy black finish. Finally, the crossover receives the much-needed automatic climate control system. Engine options are same as before.
