Renault Duster has scored an overall four-star rating in the Latin NCAP crash tests.
According to category, the Duster was rated 11/17 for Adult Occupant Protection, resulting in the four-star rating, although the car scored two stars on Child Occupant Protection (COP) with a rating of 21.37/49. This could have been because the test model lacked the ISOFIX child restraints, otherwise found on new models of the Duster.
The lack of a passenger-side airbag also was a cause of concern, as it increases the risk of head injuries. The Latin NCAP authorities noted a potentially hazardous structure in the front cabin that could affect the driver’s and front passenger’s knees, and rated the Duster’s bodyshell integrity as unstable. The test vehicle was manufactured in Columbia, and came with a driver-side airbag as part of its standard equipment.
In India, Renault will soon launch a facelifted version of the Duster. Camouflaged test mules have been spotted with reworked bumpers, lights and alloy wheels. The car is expected to borrow styling tweaks from its Brazilian counterpart, but will remain mechanically unchanged.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
