Latin NCAP's seventh round of results for 2017 was released today with an encouraging outcome for the Renault Kwid. The Renault Kwid produced in Brazil, achieved three stars for adult occupant protection and that it performed better than its Indian version, which in fact scored a zero when it was crash tested last time around. Renault manufactures the Kwid in Brazil and India only.
The Kwid showed an adequate frontal protection and marginal side impact protection with weak protection to the chest of the adult but enough to reach a solid three stars in adult occupant protection. The Kwid side impact structure prevented massive intrusion of the side impact barrier which combined with the side thorax airbag could keep the adult injuries below the high probability of life threatening injuries limit. The child occupants showed adequate and good protection during the front and side crash tests thanks to the CRS that was installed using the ISOFIX and Top Tether anchorages. The Kwid offers standard ISOFIX anchorages, however its lack of airbag disconnection switch in the passenger frontal airbag in case a rearward facing CRS needs to be installed, and lack of 3 point belts in all seating positions which explains its child occupant protection rating.
Also Read: Renault Kwid Scores Zero Stars In Global NCAP Safety Ratings
The Kwid for Brazil showed extra structural reinforcements and better safety performance compared to the Indian version tested by Global NCAP last year and this is something Renault-Nissan has been telling the safety watchdog that there will be significant improvements in the body shell of the car.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP said, "It is good to see how fast manufacturers can react from the first ever tested Kwid (Indian version tested by Global NCAP) to this three star Brazilian-made Kwid. It is encouraging to see car makers reacting to Latin NCAP's, Global NCAP's and consumers' preferences for better safety performance, even in entry level cars."
Also Read: Renault Kwid Brazil Model Better Built Than Indian Spec?
The Brazil-made Kwid is nearly 140 kg heavier than its counterpart in India and that's because the chassis has been strengthened to conform to strict safety and crash protection laws in Brazil. In 2014, the Government of Brazil made it mandatory for all passenger vehicles to be equipped with dual front airbags and ABS. The Renault Technology Americas (RTA) has worked extensively on the Brazilian-spec Kwid so as to help it meet the stringent Latin NCAP crash test regulations.
David Ward, Secretary General, Global NCAP said, ""Remarkably rapid safety progress from the original Renault Kwid made in India, to the latest Brazilian version. But why didn't Renault build in better than zero star performance for the Kwid from the outset?"
