Duster’s base variant gets zero star in NCAP’s crash testing

NEW DELHI: The base variant of Renault India Pvt Ltd’s Duster, which lacks airbags, recorded zero star for adult occupant protection, according to crash tests conducted by UK-based vehicle safety assessor Global NCAP.

Due to lack of airbags, driver injuries would have been unacceptably high in case of a crash, Global NCAP said in a statement. The Duster scored 2 stars for rear seat child occupant protection.

Following the test, Renault asked Global NCAP to test a version of the Duster, which included a single driver airbag.

“This increased the score to 3 stars for adult occupant protection; child protection remained the same at 2 stars,” Global NCAP said. Duster’s 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.

“Safety is of paramount importance for Renault and all our products meet and exceed the requisite safety standards set by Indian Regulatory Authorities. 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 existing cars will come into effect in 2019 and for the new cars in 2017. Renault fully supports this,” Renault India said in a statement.