Renault Duster base variant gets zero stars, single-airbag model bags 3 in Global NCAP crash test

The base variant of the made-in-India Renault Duster has recorded a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest crash tests conducted by Global NCAP in the second set of #SaferCarsForIndia 2017. 

The test showed that due to the lack of airbags, the driver injuries would have been unacceptably high. However, it scored two stars for rear seat child occupant protection.

On including a single driver airbag in the vehicle the test result improved to three stars for adult occupant protection. Global NCAP says it decided to further investigate the Duster as a single-airbag version was tested by Latin NCAP in 2015 where it scored 4 stars. It was found that the Indian Duster’s airbag was smaller than that of the Latin American Duster.

Differences in the airbags brings differences in protection.  With the Indian Duster having a smaller airbag, the head of the driver did not contact the airbag in the centre as it should, exposing risks of injuries. On the other hand the Latin American Duster had a larger airbag and covered the head and chest of the driver.

Commenting on the results, David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, said: “It is troubling that during the UN Road Safety Week we yet again encounter a zero star car in our crash testing in India. Renault produces the Duster in a number of markets and yet it seems content to provide a version for India which falls so far short on safety.

“The version of the Duster with an airbag scores three stars, but this too fell short as it was fitted with a smaller airbag. A model with a correctly sized airbag should be provided as standard.”

Rohit Baluja, president of the Institute of Road Traffic Education said: “The maximum speed limit for passenger cars in India has been notified as high as 100kph. Highways in India are witnessing very high speeds of Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and therefore it is of utmost importance that our new-generation cars are built to the highest safety standards. The Renault Duster has been created as a sporty vehicle and drivers tend to drive these at high speeds. Renault must make the Duster with an airbag as standard, as they do in other parts of the world. Indian consumers should no longer be subject to second-class status on occupant protection from global manufacturers who achieve high levels of safety in other markets.
 
“The prime minister’s call for ‘Made in India’ should be well respected by car manufacturers to demonstrate that Indian cars are as safe as the best produced in the developed world.”

The Duster has been one of Renault India's best-selling vehicles in India. Launched in July 2012, the SUV has sold a total of 162,246 units till end-March 2017. In FY2016-17, it sold a total of 18,947 units. 

Renault India responds
In response to the Global NCAP test of the Duster, Renault India issued an official statement late in the evening today. 
“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. The 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.”