Renault Kwid, Honda Mobilio fail NCAP crash tests
French automaker Renault's popular car in India, Renault Kwid failed crash tests that were conducted by NCAP. Honda's Mobilio also fared poorly in the crash tests, scoring a zero in terms of adult occupant protection. The car, although, saw better scores in terms of dual airbags. The tests prove that India is moving towards ensuring international vehicle safety norms.
NCAP refers to the Global National Car Assessment Programme, which is based out of the United Kingdom. NCAP is an independent body that is focused on ensuring vehicle safety across commercial vehicles. The charity initiative targets consumer protection by evaluating vehicle designs for performance against multiple safety hazards. NCAP now issues the vehicle safety standard through means of ratings allotted to them.
Renault Kwid's latest version had been given one star for the frontal impact tests. It has only a driver's side airbag, whereas the standard version has no airbags. This version scored a zero for adult occupant protection, although obtained two stars for child occupant protection. An NCAP official said that with Renault's limited progress, they must offer the one-star car as the standard version.
"Safety is of paramount importance for Renault and all our products meet and exceed the requisite safety standards set by Indian regulatory authorities," Renault India's spokesperson said.
Honda Mobilio's ratings were along similar lines, with its basic version scoring a zero. The ratings for its lowest version took a hit due to issues regarding adult occupant protection. The Japanese automaker later requested NCAP to test a vehicle which had double airbags, which resulted in the agency granting it a three-star rating for adult occupancy protection.
In early May, Renault Kwid scored zero in crash tests for its three variants. Hyundai Eon, Maruti Suzuki's Celerio and Mahindra Scorpio also failed the crash tests.
