The India-spec Renault Kiger has scored an impressive four-star safety rating in the latest crash tests conducted by Global NCAP under its Safer Cars For India campaign. The Kiger scored four stars for adult and two for child occupant protection, though it marginally outperformed the Magnite by scoring 12.34 points out of 17. However, despite its 2-star rating in the child occupant protection test, the Kiger scored slightly lower than the Magnite – 21.05 points out of 49.

Oddly enough, the testers noted that the Kiger’s bodyshell was unstable and not capable of withstanding further load. Its footwell area was rated stable, while the level of protection offered to adults was similar to the Magnite. Though the Kiger has ISOFIX child seat anchoring points in the rear, it ended up losing points in the child occupant protection test as they were unmarked and covered up by seat fabric, making them hidden from regular customers. Hence, the child seat was only secured by the three-point seat belt in the test, which led to excessive forward movement.

Global NCAP’s Safer Cars For India project currently tests frontal crash protection for occupants only. Side impact, ESC, and pedestrian protection assessments will form part of Global NCAP’s updated assessment protocols in India from July 2022. The Safer Cars For India Campaign was launched by Global NCAP in 2014 with the objective of promoting safer vehicles in India. Between 2014 and 2022, Global NCAP has completed more than fifty safety assessments which have acted as an important catalyst in the safety improvement of Indian cars.