The Renault Kiger has improved on its previous, two-star Global NCAP crash test rating after receiving safety updates.
The Indian-made Renault Kiger achieved four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection in Global NCAP’s latest #SaferCarsForAfrica assessment. This outcome marks a substantial improvement in safety compared to an earlier evaluation of the compact crossover.
Global NCAP initially selected the Kiger for testing when it featured only two airbags as standard and lacked Isofix child-seat anchorages and electronic stability control (ESC). That baseline configuration scored two stars for adult protection and one star for child protection. Renault updated the Kiger with six airbags, ESC, and Isofix shortly after the initial test, and the brand submitted the revised vehicle for voluntary testing.
Standard safety equipment
The updated Renault Kiger now includes six airbags, ESC, Isofix anchorages, and pedestrian protection as standard. Beyond the features tested by Global NCAP, the Kiger range features more than 15 standard safety systems, including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist.
Furthermore, the compact SUV incorporates a tyre pressure monitoring system, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, and a front seatbelt reminder. Renault also includes speed-sensing door locks, impact-sensing door unlock functions, rear door child locks, and rear park distance sensors across the range.
Updated Renault Kiger Global NCAP crash test performance
Global NCAP protocols evaluate frontal and side impact protection alongside ESC performance, while top-scoring vehicles require pedestrian protection and side pole impact tests. In the frontal crash test of the six-airbag Kiger, assessors rated the footwell area and body shell as unstable and unable to withstand further loadings.
During the side impact evaluation, one door opened and caused a point deduction. However, protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis proved to be good, while chest protection was deemed adequate. In the side pole impact test, head and pelvis protection were rated as good, abdomen protection as adequate, and chest protection as marginal.
Child occupant assessments showed mixed results for the updated model. The 18-month-old dummy received full protection in both frontal and side impact tests. Conversely, the head of the three-year-old dummy made contact with the vehicle interior during the frontal impact test, and its chest experienced high decelerations. Head exposure during the side impact also reduced the three-year-old dummy’s side impact score to zero. Meanwhile, the vehicle met pedestrian protection regulation UN127 and complied with Global NCAP ESC and seatbelt reminder rules.
The industry reacts to the Renault Kiger’s updated safety rating
Global NCAP Chief Executive Officer Richard Woods expressed satisfaction with the safety upgrades Renault introduced for the South African market. Woods stated that the organisation welcomes this positive engagement and hopes the approach becomes an industry trend. He added that the result shows what manufacturers can achieve when they prioritise occupant protection, proving why six airbags must become a standard requirement.
Automobile Association of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Bobby Ramagwede also welcomed the jump from two stars to four stars. Ramagwede noted that the updated Kiger proves the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign yields real change and saves lives on local roads. He emphasised that improving vehicle safety does not need to increase costs or disrupt entry-level model production. Ramagwede commended Renault for the voluntary submission and urged other local brands with poor test results to prioritise safety over cost.
The Renault Kiger’s previous Global NCAP crash test performance
The previous test of the two-airbag variant highlighted several structural and restraint weaknesses. During the frontal test, one door opened, and assessors rated both the body shell and footwell area as unstable. Driver chest protection proved marginal, while passenger chest protection rated adequate. In the side impact test, head and chest protection were deemed weak, abdomen protection rated adequate, and pelvis protection scored good. Global NCAP did not conduct a side pole test because the vehicle lacked standard side head protection airbags.
Child protection suffered from the absence of Isofix and three-point seatbelts in all positions. Renault recommended fitting child restraints with the adult seatbelt, placing the three-year-old dummy forward-facing against Global NCAP best practice. Consequently, the three-year-old dummy’s head struck the interior, recording high neck loads and limited chest protection. For the 18-month-old dummy, the adult seatbelt installation allowed a rearward-facing setup that provided full head and neck protection, though chest protection remained limited. Finally, the two-airbag model failed to demonstrate compliance with pedestrian protection regulations UN127 or GTR9.
