In the latest series of crash tests carried out by Global NCAP on cars under its 'Safer Cars for India' campaign for 2017, Renault’s Duster scored zero stars (in adult protection) for its non-airbag variant and three for the version with one driver’s side airbag.
The Duster is sold without airbags in its basic STD and RxE variant, and test results for these cars were dismal as the agency observed that driver injuries would have been unacceptably high thanks to the lack of airbags. It was rated two stars as far as rear seat child occupant protection is concered.
The mid RxL version, which comes with a single, driver airbag, offered in the mid RxL variant and upwards, fared better in comparison. It also scored two stars for child protection. The agency observed that the driver’s head did not make contact with the airbag in the centre as it should have, and would make contact with the steering wheel, thus leading to further chances of injury.
Commenting on the results, 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.”
In response to the crash test results, Renault India issued a statement. “All our products meet and exceed the requisite safety standards set by Indian Regulatory authorities. 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,” it said in the statement.