Last week, Global NCAP released the results of five cars it tested in India and it was shocking – the Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon were all rated zero stars. The safety body singled out Renault, the sole European manufacturer in the list, for criticism.
“It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature (airbags). Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the United Nations’ minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag,” said David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP.
The Indian Kwid, which initially had no airbags, was then updated with structural reinforcements (only on the driver’s side, Global NCAP found) and a driver’s airbag. Both the original and updated versions scored zero stars in adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection.
Designed for developing markets, the Kwid will also be made and sold in Brazil, and word is that the small crossover will make its South American debut at the Sao Paulo show in November. The Brazilian Kwid will get four airbags and ABS, the French carmaker has said. It was a response to a sarcastic Facebook user who said that “the life of the Brazilian is worth nothing” and that he is “looking forward” for the zero-star Kwid.
The South American Kwid will have to go through Latin NCAP crash tests when it’s launched, and we’ll know then if the improvements work. The Indian-market car had bodyshell integrity that was rated as unstable.
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why only the Brazilian Kwid got 4 airbags and ABS, and not all the Kwid? Heck, Indian one doesn’t even have passenger airbag! And anycar nowadays has no ABS is not forgivable.
i agree with PSA and Proton partnership..
If u wanna quit life, go for Renault Kwid
Kindly add at-least 2 airbags and ABS for current production because all are human-being they want to live like others, not only for Brazilian.
Look at the cockpit after the collision! No number of airbags can save the driver!! This is another sudah terhantuk baru ternganga mentality.