The third-generation Dacia Duster, evaluated by Euro NCAP, has received a 3-star safety rating. The SUV achieved 70% for adult occupant protection (AOP), 84% for child occupant protection (COP), 57% for safety assist systems, and 60% for vulnerable road users (VRU).
Key features of the Euro-spec Duster include six airbags and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Notably, the body shell was rated stable in the frontal offset test. The new Duster is expected to launch in India in 2025 under the Renault badge, but it’s important to note that the Euro NCAP rating for the European-spec model will not apply to the India-spec version, which will be locally manufactured. The tested model was a left-hand drive version with a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, six airbags, seat belt reminders, pretensioners, and ADAS features.
Dacia Duster Adult Occupant Protection Test
In the frontal offset test, the Duster’s passenger compartment remained stable. The dummies representing both the driver and passenger showed good protection for knees and femurs, although the driver’s chest protection was rated as weak. In the full-width rigid barrier test, chest protection for the driver and rear passenger was rated marginal. However, the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact test demonstrated good protection for all critical body areas, earning the Duster maximum points in this category. The front seats and head restraints offered effective protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Dacia Duster Child Occupant Protection Test
The Duster provided good protection to all critical body areas for both 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies in frontal offset and side barrier impacts, except for the neck of the 10-year-old dummy in the frontal test, which received adequate protection. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to accommodate a rearward-facing child restraint, but there is no child presence detection system. All designated child restraint types for the Duster could be properly installed and accommodated in the vehicle.
Dacia Duster Safety Assist Systems Test
The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performed adequately in tests involving other vehicles. However, the rear seat belt reminder lacked an occupant detection system for the rear seats, disqualifying it from scoring points. The lane support system gently corrected the vehicle’s path to prevent lane drifting and intervened in critical situations.
Dacia Duster Vulnerable Road Users Test
For vulnerable road users, head protection for struck pedestrians or cyclists was predominantly good or adequate, with poor results recorded on the stiff windscreen pillars and along the base of the screen. Pelvic protection was consistently poor across all test areas, resulting in zero points. The AEB system can respond to vulnerable road users and other vehicles, with an adequate response to pedestrians and a good response to cyclists.
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