Renault Lodgy gets a safety shock
So many new cars achieve the maximum five stars in the EuroNCAP safety tests that the organisation had to introduce tighter rules on pedestrian protection and make supplementary awards for advanced safety technology to differentiate the good from the very best. So it was a surprise that, in the latest batch of crash tests, the new Dacia Lodgy MPV scheduled to come to India scored only three stars and was criticized by EuroNCAP for being 'below average in all areas of safety'. This is a blow for Renault, which for years has taken pride from being among the top scorers in these independent tests.
These days, Dacias, made in Romania, are among the cheapest new cars available in Europe and the main contributor to Renault's revenue. All its models are based on the original Logan which scored three stars prior to the new results system. The new Dacia Sandero, which has gone on sale, is the lowest priced new car in the UK, at £5,995. The EuroNCAP results highlight one reason why the prices can be kept so low â" they are not fitted with electronic stability control which will be compulsory for all new models in Europe from this year. The Sandero gained only a one-star rating in the Latin NCAP in South America.
