Renault Duster Secures 0 Star Safety Rating In Latin NCAP: Test Mule Analysis, Scores & Other Details

Renault Duster is the French brand's popular SUV for India and has been instrumental in Renault's success in India. Coupled with tough hardware and spacious interiors, along with a choice of frugal yet peppy engines, the Renault Duster became an instant hit on the Indian roads.

The success of Renault Duster did not end with the Indian automotive market; it was reasonably well received in many other countries as well with praises especially showered for its workhorse like nature.

However, Renault has now come under the scanner with its Duster SUV, but this time in a negative manner.

In the latest Latin NCAP crash testing, the Renault Duster scored zero stars. In the test conducted, the Latin version of the Renault Duster scored 29.47% in the Adult Occupant box, 22.93% in the Child Occupant box, 50.79% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users box and 34.88% in the Safety Assist box.

However, this is evident as the Dacia Duster sold in Europe is slightly different to the Latin version of the Renault Duster, as the former comes with body and side protection airbags as standard.

Apart from this, few other crucial factors greatly affected the crash rating of the Latin American version of the Renault Duster.

Analysing the crashed structure, experts at the Latin NCAP facility found that the French SUV showed unstable structure performance and fuel leakage during the frontal impact test.

Whereas, on the side impact test, it was found that the B-pillar was deformed significantly and a door was opened. This is considered seriously dangerous as it can possess the danger of ejection.

Since the Latin NCAP side impact test has a near-identical configuration as the UN95, it is highly unlikely that the Renault Duster would pass the UN95 test.

Apart from this, as the fuel leakage was found during the frontal impact, Renault would be required to recall all the units sold in the respective markets as it possess a serious threat to the safety of the user and others around it during a crash. In the recall, Renault should rectify the problem free of cost to all customers as it is the industry standard norm.

However, from the video, at least the frontal impact on Renault Duster at 64kmph looks reasonably well with intact A-pillar and roof, though the side impact was rather scary with much intrusion of the B-pillar into the cabin.

Joining the Renault Duster in the league of Zero-star cars is Maruti Suzuki Swift, which was also awarded zero-stars under the latest Latin NCAP crash testing.

Thoughts About The Renault Duster Securing 0 Star Safety Rating In Latin NCAP Crash Test

When Renault launched Duster in India, it was well-received by the Indian audience and the company gained a lot of momentum in the market. However, with the lack of periodic updates and bad strategies, the Renault Duster soon lost its momentum to others.

This was despite a few foreign markets receiving their share of updates for the Duster. Now, with this latest NCAP safety ratings, looks like Renault has its work cut out to make many improvements.