When buying a car, safety is just as important as its design, performance and features. A vehicle's ability to protect passengers during an accident can make a significant difference. Renault has taken an important step in this direction by improving the safety standards of its popular SUV, the Kiger. In its latest Global NCAP crash test, the updated Renault Kiger secured an impressive four-star rating for adult occupant protection, a significant improvement over its previous two-star score. For child occupant protection, the SUV received three stars.

Let's understand what has changed in the updated model and how well it performed in the crash tests.

Renault Kiger Shows Major Improvement in Crash Safety

The earlier version of the Renault Kiger received only two stars for adult occupant protection and one star for child occupant protection in Global NCAP testing. At that time, the SUV was equipped with just two airbags and lacked important safety equipment, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Following these results, Renault worked on improving the vehicle's safety package. The updated version was subsequently submitted for another round of crash testing, where it delivered considerably better results.

Six Airbags and Additional Safety Features Now Standard

One of the biggest improvements in the updated Renault Kiger is the addition of six airbags as standard across the range. The SUV also gets important safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchorages and pedestrian protection.

These additions have contributed to the improved crash test performance, helping the Kiger achieve four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection.

What Happened During the Side Impact Tests?

Although the updated Kiger performed better overall, the crash test results also highlighted certain areas that could be improved.

During the side impact test, one of the vehicle's doors opened, resulting in a loss of points. Protection for the head, abdomen and pelvis was rated good, while chest protection was considered adequate.

In the side pole impact test, the SUV offered limited protection to the chest. The assessment also revealed differences in child occupant protection. The dummy representing a three-year-old child received no points because of head contact during the side impact test. However, the dummy representing an 18-month-old child performed well in both assessments.

Pedestrian Safety Also Gets Attention

Apart from passenger protection, Renault has also addressed pedestrian safety in the updated Kiger. According to Global NCAP, the SUV complies with the UN127 pedestrian protection standard.

The vehicle also meets the required standards for Electronic Stability Control and Seatbelt Reminder (SBR), further strengthening its overall safety package.

Is the New Renault Kiger a Safer Choice?

The improvement from two stars to four stars for adult occupant protection is a significant achievement for the Renault Kiger. The addition of six standard airbags, ESC and ISOFIX mounting points makes the updated SUV considerably better equipped to protect occupants.

However, its three-star child safety rating and certain limitations observed during side impact testing indicate that there is still room for improvement. Buyers should also remember that a crash test rating is only one factor to consider when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety.

Overall, the latest results represent a positive step for Renault, showing how improvements in safety equipment and vehicle protection can make a meaningful difference.