The new Renault Duster has secured a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, marking a strong comeback for the nameplate in India’s midsize SUV space. For the uninitiated, the first-gen model, which spearheaded Renault India’s growth back in the day, had received a ZERO at Global NCAP back in 2017. With this result, the Duster now joins an elite group of SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, and Maruti Suzuki Victoris, all of which have also achieved top safety ratings at Bharat NCAP. In a segment where safety is fast becoming a key buying factor, this puts the Duster right back into serious contention.
New Renault Duster’s B-NCAP Performance
The new Duster’s scores highlight strong structural integrity and improved safety engineering.
- Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 30.49 out of 32
- Child Occupant Protection (COP): 45 out of 49
These are impressive numbers, especially in such a competitive segment. The rating applies across all variants, which adds to its appeal. More importantly, it shows that Renault has worked on improving crash safety for the new-generation model, addressing a key expectation from buyers.
Also read: New Renault Duster Deliveries Begin: CEO François Provost Hands Over Key to First Customer
Comparison with Key Rivals
Here is how the new Renault Duster stacks up against its key competitors:
| Model | AOP Score (out of 32) | COP Score (out of 49) |
|---|---|---|
| Renault Duster | 30.49 | 45 |
| Kia Seltos | 31.7 | 45 |
| Maruti Suzuki Victoris | 31.6 | 43 |
| Tata Sierra | 31.14 | 44.73 |
The Kia Seltos leads in Adult Occupant Protection, closely followed by the Victoris and Sierra. The Duster may not top the chart, but it comfortably sits pretty much in the same league. All in all, the differences on paper are minor, and in real-world terms, all four SUVs offer a high level of safety.
Why This Matters
The midsize SUV segment has evolved quickly, and safety is now one of the most important factors for buyers. With multiple models achieving 5-star ratings, the focus is no longer just on whether a car is safe, but how well it performs within a highly competitive benchmark. For buyers, this means more choice without compromise. Whether you choose the Duster, Seltos, Sierra, or Victoris, you are getting a product that meets strong safety standards.
Also read: Renault Duster 7-seater Spotted Testing in India
Editor’s Note
Rohit Khurana, Founder, CarBlogIndia
The new Renault Duster’s 5-star B-NCAP rating is a strong statement from Renault. It shows that the brand is back in the game with a product that can compete with the best in the segment. While it may not lead in outright scores, it does not fall behind in any meaningful way. The Duster is no longer playing catch-up. It is firmly back among the top contenders in the midsize SUV space.
