Made in India Renault Kiger Upgrades to 4 Star Global NCAP Rating

In the recent Global NCAP crash tests, the Indian Renault Kiger has done a great job to earn an impressive 4 star safety rating. This is an improvement over its previous 2-star rating, when the earlier test was conducted on the basic dual airbag option. Renault has been making the following modifications as standard equipment on the current model: 6 airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

These crash tests were conducted as part of a safety program in South Africa, that was called #SaferCarsForAfrica. The crash tasting has been broken down in the following section:

Crash Test Ratings & Standard Safety Equipment

The retested Renault Kiger demonstrated improved occupant protection across both adult and child crash test parameters.

In Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), the Kiger scored 25.20 out of 34 points. Frontal impact tests showed good head and neck protection for front passengers, though chest and driver knee protection were rated as marginal.

The side impact tests yielded good protection for head, abdomen and pelvis. In Child Occupant Protection (COP), the SUV scored 30.21 out of 49 points, with the 18 month old dummy receiving full protection in a rearward facing child seat.

Main Competitors & Segment Rivals

The now more safer Renault Kiger competes in the sub 4 meter compact SUV space against the established rivals with impressive safety ratings.

• Nissan Magnite: It shares the CMF A+ platform and basic body structure with the Kiger. Safetywise, it scores 5 stars in adult protection and 3 stars in child protection.
• Tata Punch / Nexon: Both compact SUVs, they both are the key safety focused segment benchmarks having 5 star crash test ratings.
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza / Fronx: Popular high efficiency segment rivals offering competitive tech and safety kits.
• Hyundai Exter: It is the entry level SUV, packed with good features and offers 6 airbags as standard across all trims.

Car Junction's Insights

From this safety upgrade, Renault deserves solid credit for voluntarily upgrading the Kiger’s safety package and sending it back to Global NCAP for re-evaluation. Jumping from a disappointing 2 star rating to a respectable 4 star score proves how critical standard safety tech like 6 airbags and ESC is for real world occupant safety.

Structural parts such as the bodyshell, for example, and the footwell area remained unstable under extreme loads, which is worth mentioning. Preventing a full 5 star score, this 4 star achievement gives budget conscious buyers much needed peace of mind when picking the Kiger over its rivals.

Check out Renault’s Latest News - Duster Strong Hybrid Deliveries Begin