In the latest series of tests carried out by Global NCAP under its ‘Safer Cars for India’ campaign for 2017, the Renault Duster has scored zero stars for adult protection for the non airbag model and and three stars for the airbag equipped variant.

Renault Duster Global NCAP results

Injuries have been found to be unacceptably high in the standard and RXE variants of the Duster due to the lack of airbags. These variants scored two stars for rear seat child occupant protection. The models equipped with the single driver airbag fared better. The single airbag Duster had received four stars in the Latin NCAP tests in 2015. On investigation, Global NCAP found out that the Duster sold in India had a smaller airbag than the one sold in Latin America.

Global NCAP observed that in the Indian spec Duster, the head of the driver did not make contact with the airbag in the centre as it should, resulting in exposure of the head to impact on the steering wheel adding to more risk of injuries.On the other hand, the airbag in the Duster sold in Latin America was larger in size and covered the head and chest of the driver.

David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, said, “The version of the Duster with an airbag scores three stars, but this too fell short as it was fitted with a smaller one. A model with the correct size of airbag should be provided as standard.”

Source