The third-generation Dacia Duster, which is expected to launch in India in 2025 under the Renault badge, has been awarded a 3-star rating by Euro NCAP. It’s important to note that this rating applies to the European-spec Dacia Duster, and the India-made Renault version will likely undergo its own safety assessment.
Euro-Spec Duster Earns Decent Safety Scores
The Euro-spec Duster achieved a 70 percent rating 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) protection. The tested model was a left-hand drive version with a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, equipped with six airbags, seat belt reminders, pretensioners, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features.
Adult Occupant Protection: Mixed Results
The Duster’s body shell held up well in the frontal offset test, and both the driver and passenger dummies had good knee and femur protection. However, chest protection for the driver was rated as weak in both the frontal offset and full-width rigid barrier tests. On a positive note, the Duster excelled in the side impact tests, offering good protection to all critical body areas in both the side barrier and side pole impact scenarios. Additionally, the front seats and head restraints effectively mitigated the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
Child Occupant Protection: Mostly Good Scores
The Duster performed well in child occupant protection, providing good safety for both the 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies in most impact tests. The only exception was the neck of the 10-year-old dummy in the frontal test, which received an “adequate” protection rating. The Duster allows for disabling the front passenger airbag to accommodate a rearward-facing child seat, but it lacks a child presence detection system. However, all designated child restraint types could be properly installed in the vehicle.
Safety Assist Systems: Room for Improvement
The Dacia Duster’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system functioned adequately in tests involving other vehicles. However, the lack of an occupant detection system for the rear seat belt reminder meant it couldn’t score any points in this category. The lane support system, on the other hand, effectively corrected the vehicle’s trajectory to prevent lane departure and intervened in critical situations.
Vulnerable Road User Protection: Uneven Performance
The Duster offered predominantly good or adequate head protection for pedestrians and cyclists struck by the vehicle. However, the stiff windscreen pillars and the area along the base of the windshield showed poor results in pedestrian impact tests. Furthermore, the Duster scored poorly in all areas for pelvic protection of vulnerable road users. The AEB system did show some capability of responding to pedestrians and cyclists, with an adequate response to pedestrians and a good response to cyclists.