ASEAN NCAP has awarded the India-made Renault Kwid with zero star rating for its recent crash test. The total score of 24.68 points, counted through adding 10.12 points for adult safety and 14.56 points for child protection, results in zero total star rating.
Mr. David Ward, Global NCAP secretary general, commented that Renault uses double standards for South Asian markets by providing an inferior version of their frame. Those who are not familiar should know that Latin American Kwid scored 3-star safety rating from Global NCAP. These inferior quality cars are sold in both Thailand and Indonesia.
Renault manufactures this Kwid in Tamil Nadu, India and ships them to various other markets like South Asia and Africa. Not just that, the same version is sold in India, with Kwid scoring almost 5000 units a month. If Kwid goes off-production in India, they will lose their present place among top-selling brands for sure.
ASEAN NCAP Crash Test Video
Renault Duster is their second best selling model but numbers are not enough to allow all dealerships survive in the competitive Indian market. Kwid is available with two different engine and gearbox options, leaving buyers tempted with its impressive stance and bigger than standard hatchback feel.
Renault Kwid was almost unbeatable before the introduction of Tata Tiago in India. The popularity and practicality associated with Tiago almost took 30% of buyers away from the French brand. The Kwid range starts from INR 2.67 lakh and goes up to INR 4.34 lakh.
Getting zero star rating is not a new thing for entry-level Indian cars. This Kwid tested here was equipped with a single airbag and had no other safety feature. Maruti Celerio, old generation Swift and Hyundai Eon scored zero stars in an older Global NCAP test while some models like Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20 were awarded 3-4 star rating.
