Renault Duster and Suzuki Swift score zero stars in the Latin NCAP

The latest results from Latin NCAP, the New Assessment Program for Latin America and the Caribbean, were revealed today, with the Renault New Duster and Suzuki Swift receiving extremely dismal 0 stars. The Latin NCAP urges immediate reforms.

Under Latin NCAP's most recent protocol, the Renault Duster, which is manufactured in Latin America and Romania and comes standard with twin airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), received 0 stars. In the Adult Occupant category, the popular SUV received 29.47 percent, 22.93 percent in the Child Occupant category, 50.79 percent in the Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Users category, and 34.88 percent in the Safety Assist category.

The Suzuki Swift, which is manufactured in India and Japan and comes standard with two airbags, received 0 stars as well. In the Adult Occupant category, the popular small received 15.53 percent, 0 percent in the Child Occupant category, 66.07 percent in the Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Users category, and 6.98 percent in the Safety Assist category. The conclusion is true for both hatchback and sedan models.

Side body and side head protection airbags are not standard on the New Duster for Latin America. The model demonstrated an unstable structural performance and a fuel leakage in the frontal collision. Renault must take additional action in response to the gasoline leak discovered in the frontal crash test, not only to fix the fault in production but also to recall all units currently on the market that may have this problem in the fuel in the event of an accident. Similarly, the door opening in the event of a side collision necessitates quick action by Renault since it creates a severe danger of ejection in the event of a side impact.

Poor side impact protection and an open door during the test, as well as a low whiplash score owing to the lack of UN32 proof for the rear impact test, explain the zero-star rating. Furthermore, the lack of conventional side head protection airbags, standard ESC, and Suzuki's choice not to suggest CRS for the test all contribute to the outcome. Despite the well-known high injury risks associated with its use, the Latin American version of the Swift nevertheless comes standard with a lap in the rear centre sitting position.

Stephan Brodziak, Latin NCAP Chairman said "Sadly, we see very bad results for two vehicles that are highly marketed in our region. Once again we see betrayed the trust that consumers place in certain manufacturers. It is very discriminating that, after more than 10 years of evaluating the safety performance of vehicles marketed in Latin America and the Caribbean, we continue to see 0-star cars. In terms of vehicle safety, we are still treated as second-class citizens just so that some manufacturers can save money on vehicle production. The money these manufacturers save translates into fatalities and serious injuries that impact families and the economy of our region. Latin America doesn't deserve more 0-star cars, enough of low-safety cars".

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