Here's Why You Don't Want To Crash An Indian Renault Duster

In its basic form the Renault Duster sold in India has recorded a zero-star crash safety rating, which means crashing it is about as good for you as a diet based on broken glass shards
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The Indian version of the Renault Duster, sold as a Dacia in the UK, has scored zero stars in Global NCAP tests. NCAP has called it ‘disappointing,’ but we’d probably have to say that smashing your face against the steering wheel, which doesn’t have an airbag in standard form, would be a bit more than disappointing.

In the video above, you can clearly see how the driver headbutts the steering wheel during the frontal crash, and judging by the amount of front wheel displacement, he’s probably had his legs crushed, too.

With airbags equipped, the Indian Duster scored three stars, which is generally the minimum Dacia is happy with in Europe. The UK Dacia Duster in its basic form scored three when it was tested in 2011, but may have gained a star since then. Latin NCAP has reportedly scored the South American Duster four stars.

Here's Why You Don't Want To Crash An Indian Renault Duster

India is notorious for its relatively unsafe cars, with plenty having been rated with one or zero stars. Renault’s Indian-market Kwid scored zero in standard form and one star with safety options added. In short, it’s probably not somewhere you want to hire a car.

It’s a tough ask for manufacturers to include safety gear, though, in a market where price is paramount. The cost that would be added to the car would be significant, and that matters to the buyers out there. Just owning a car at all is an achievement for many people in India, so much like our own markets did, theirs needs time to mature. Safety kit will be added over time as people come to ask for it – and as they become willing to pay for it as well.

David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, which would like all cars to be immediately stuffed with every conceivable safety aid, 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. Renault produces the Duster in a number of markets and yet it seems content to provide a version for India that falls so far short on safety.”

Here's Why You Don't Want To Crash An Indian Renault Duster

This obviously doesn’t affect the Dacia Duster in the UK, which is the company’s best-seller on these shores. Autocar quotes Renault UK as saying:

“Safety is of paramount importance for Renault and all of our vehicles meet or exceed the safety standards set by Indian Regulatory Authorities. India is continuing to increase safety standards and the Bharat NCAP is a positive step in that direction.

“Renault fully supports this initiative and we are prepared 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 new cars in 2017. Renault fully supports this.”

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Comments

InjunS2K

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

This is why if in India, buy cars that were also sold in foreign markets.

05/12/2017 - 08:26 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

James: Bad news, the indian version of the duster scored 0 points for the safety rating!

Jeremy: Oh dear.. Right, the new 2 series BMW

05/12/2017 - 08:21 |
146 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Lol

05/12/2017 - 09:06 |
10 | 2
Joshua Lue

But how do obese and old people dummies fair…?

05/12/2017 - 08:23 |
28 | 2
Jasons Ernests Mazkalniņš

In reply to by Joshua Lue

they havent made a test with them yet

05/12/2017 - 12:00 |
0 | 0

The obese people probably bounce back and dropped their tandoori chicken while the old ones,.. well they’d probably broke their hip or if they survived they’d walk away with parkinson.

05/12/2017 - 13:07 |
12 | 0
Anonymous

Another indian spec car…

05/12/2017 - 08:29 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

WE LIKE TO LIVE DANGEROUSLY

05/12/2017 - 08:37 |
42 | 0
Akashneel

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

True that.

05/12/2017 - 08:53 |
16 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Two of the least intelligent comments I’ve ever red.

05/12/2017 - 23:31 |
10 | 4
For the love of the car

The dummies when they have to crash Indian cars…

05/12/2017 - 08:38 |
286 | 0

It’s a test of build quality, and i’m talking about the dummies.

05/12/2017 - 18:53 |
18 | 0
Ali Mahfooz

We’re able to afford a car with decent safety features using sensibility… something which seems distant with many people here. Feel sorry for all those who buy just for it’s size thinking it’ll be safe. RIP logic.

05/12/2017 - 09:00 |
26 | 0

But to be fair no one buys the base version of duster or any suv, thats only for hyundai or maruti hatches

05/12/2017 - 15:39 |
0 | 0

Thank you! My mom drives a minivan and she thinks it’s safe. This is the crash test.

05/12/2017 - 20:31 |
22 | 0
gurgel

I bet they wonderd what the oposite of a volvo was and than built that

05/12/2017 - 09:09 |
16 | 0
Anonymous

The crash test dummies have bitten the Duster.

I’m sorry lol

05/12/2017 - 09:11 |
30 | 0
Unamd Prcent

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

The duster bites another one… And another and another one…

05/12/2017 - 12:59 |
10 | 0
Mr.PurpleV12

The old Chevy Aveo is the same way.

1 Star crash test rating.

05/12/2017 - 10:48 |
0 | 0