The Lodgy performed really bad in the latest Global NCAP tests as it got zero stars and the main reason is the lack of safety features like airbags and ABS
The Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has released its latest crash test results for Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Renault Lodgy. The Brezza passed the test with flying colours with four stars but the Lodgy performed really bad as it got zero stars and the main reason is the lack of safety features like the airbag and ABS.
During the frontal impact test at speed of 64 kmph, the protection for driver and neck is really poor due to the impact with the steering wheel. But the co-passenger neck and head got sufficient protection. The chest protection for the driver was weak and the body shell was rated unstable as it is not capable of withstanding further loadings.
There was also deformation in the rear doors along with a rupture in the footwell area, which all contributed to zero stars for adult protection. The Lodgy doesn’t come with ISOFIX child mounts and the adult seat belt couldn’t give enough protection for the child but still, the MPV scored two stars for child protection.
Renault is not offering three pointed seat belts for all passengers, which didn’t go well with NCAP officials. David Ward, Glod NCAP Secretary-General said that the zero star for Lodgy is extremely disappointing and Global NCAP had hoped that Renault had learned from the difficult experience they had with Kwid.
During the initial Global NCAP test, the Kwid scored zero stars and one star with single airbag variant. Then the company made some changes to the Latin American version of the hatchback as it comes with four airbags, ABS along with tweaks for body shell to make it strong. Then the Kwid scored three-star rating in Latin NCAP.
But the hatchback sold in India is still the old one without any changes. David Ward added that the time has come to make front airbags as standard on all Renault models. The company is yet to comment on this and the Lodgy only offers dual airbag on the top end RxE variant.
For Lodgy’s Global NCAP evaluation Renault responded by saying, “The tests by Global NCAP are conducted at speeds that are higher than those prescribed by the regulatory authorities, not only in India but also in developed markets. The results of Global NCAP have to be seen in that perspective.”
Everyone knows the importance of Global NCAP and there’s no second perspective to it. The brand also said it will ready its products for the upcoming safety regulations and BS VI norms in the Indian market.