The third-generation Dacia Duster, which was crash tested by Euro NCAP, has received a 3-star rating. The SUV scored 70 percent for adult occupant protection (AOP), 84 percent for child occupant protection (COP), 57 percent for safety assist systems, and 60 percent for vulnerable road users (VRU).
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Euro-spec Duster gets 6 airbags and ADAS features
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Body shell was rated stable in the frontal offset test
The new Duster is set to launch in India in 2025 under the Renault badge. However, the Euro NCAP safety rating obtained by the European-spec Duster will not apply to the India-spec model, which will be locally manufactured. The tested model was a left-hand drive version with a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, six airbags, seat belt reminders, pretensioners and ADAS features.
Dacia Duster adult occupant protection test
In the frontal offset test, the Duster's passenger compartment remained stable. Both driver and passenger dummies received good protection for their knees and femurs, but the driver's chest protection was rated as weak. In the full-width rigid barrier test, chest protection for the driver and rear passenger was rated as marginal. However, in both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, the Duster provided good protection to all critical body areas, earning maximum points in this assessment category. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated effective protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Dacia Duster child occupant protection test
Apart from the neck of the 10-year-old dummy in the frontal test, which received adequate protection, the Duster provided good protection to all critical body areas for both the 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies in the frontal offset and side barrier impacts. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to use a rearward-facing child restraint in that seat, but there is no child presence detection system. All designated child restraint types for the Duster could be installed properly and accommodated in the vehicle.
Dacia Duster safety assist systems test
The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performed adequately in tests with other vehicles. However, the rear seat belt reminder which is standard, lacked an occupant detection system in the rear seats (a prerequisite for scoring), disqualifying it from getting points. The lane support system gently corrects the vehicle's path to prevent lane drifting and intervenes in critical situations as well.
Dacia Duster vulnerable road users test
Lastly, head protection for struck pedestrian or cyclist was predominantly good or adequate, with poor results recorded on the stiff windscreen pillars and along the base of the screen. Pelvic protection was consistently poor across all test areas, resulting in zero points for the Duster. The AEB system can respond to vulnerable road users and others vehicles. Overall, the system’s response to pedestrians was adequate while its response to cyclists was good.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
