Renault Kiger Global NCAP Safety Rating Improves to 4 Star

The Renault Kiger has progressed to achieve a four-star rating in terms of protecting the occupants in the Global NCAP crash tests compared to its previous version in Africa which received two stars. 

The update of the compact SUV created in India was tested on a voluntary basis, receiving a score of 25.20 points out of a possible 34 for the adults and 30.21 points out of a possible 49 for children. The level of protection for children was given three stars, which means that although an improvement has happened, the performance is still less than acceptable.

Comprehensive Global NCAP Crash Test Results

The earlier version of Renault Kiger sold in Africa was given two stars in Global NCAP tests. It did not come with six airbags, ISOFIX anchor points for child seats and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Indian version of the car was tested owing to the modifications done in the car and has achieved four stars for adults and three stars for children.

Adult Occupant Protection Scores

The Renault Kiger scored 25.20 out of 34 in Adult Occupant Protection, which earned four stars. Points were lost in two areas:

• Chest and thigh protection: Rated marginal in the frontal offset test.
• Bodyshell integrity: Rated unstable.

Child Occupant Protection Scores

The Renault Kiger scored 30.21 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection, which earned three stars. The results from the two dummies were different:

• 18-month-old dummy: Full protection in the frontal test.
• Three-year-old dummy: Head region vulnerable in the side impact test, scoring zero for side head impact.

Safety Concerns to Note

While the boost in the ratings is a great improvement, it has some shortcomings:

• Absence of Airbag Switch: There is no feature for disabling the passenger-side airbag when a child seat facing the rear is fitted on the front seat. It has impacted the rating negatively.
• Bodyshell Instability: Testing has shown in terms of stability, the bodyshell to be unstable.
• Ratings for Children Protection: The car has a three-star rating which should be taken into account by families with young kids when making comparisons with other available models.
• Absence of Information on Features of Each Variant: As the source does not mention the safety features offered with each variant, verify the presence of airbags and other features beforehand.

Africa-Spec vs. India-Made Renault Kiger

The India-made Renault Kiger improves on the earlier result, but it does not reach the top of the scale.

Renault Kiger Price in India

The Renault Kiger starts at about ₹5.81 lakh (average ex-showroom). On-road prices are about ₹6.43 lakh in Delhi, ₹6.81 lakh in Mumbai and ₹7.04 lakh in Bangalore.

Conclusion

The Renault Kiger has climbed to a four-star rating for adult occupant safety in Global NCAP. It was rated just two stars for the Africa-spec version, while its child occupant safety rating remains at three stars. The car's starting price is approximately ₹5.81 lakh ex-showroom. It would be prudent for those interested in the car to check on the variants they are interested in before proceeding to book.