Renault Duster Fails Global NCAP Crash Test

The basic variant of the Renault Duster which is sold without airbag recorded zero stars for protection of adult occupants. The tests showed that, due to lack of airbag, the driver injuries is likely to be high.

The Duster also scored only two stars for the rear seat child occupant protection. After the poor test results, Renault asked Global NCAP to test the airbag variant of the compact SUV.

Global NCAP decided to investigate the airbag variant of the Duster, as the model scored a four-star rating in 2015 Latin NCAP tests. Global NCAP found that the airbag installed on the Indian Duster was smaller than the Latin American model and scored only three-stars.

Secretary General, Global NCAP, David Ward 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. The version of the Duster with an airbag scores three stars, but this too fell short as it was fitted with a smaller airbag."

The difference in the size of airbag makes a significant difference in protection. In the Indian Duster, the head of the driver did not contact the airbag in the centre; this causes the head to impact on the steering wheel.

On the other hand, the Latin American Duster airbag protected the driver by covering the head and chest of the occupant. This explains why the Duster scored four stars in the Latin NCAP tests.

President, Institute of Road Traffic Education, Rohit Baluja said, "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."

He added, "The Prime Minister's call for 'Made in India' should be well respected by car manufacturers to demonstrate the that Indian cars are as safe as the best produced in the developed world."