Euro NCAP Crash-Tests New 2024 Dacia Duster, Says Customers Should Buy Something Safer

The car manufacturer, which operates under Renault's close watch, calls the 2024 Duster a bargain, whereas Euro NCAP's Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, suggests customers should buy something else after the safety specialist crash-tested it as part of its latest session.

So, how did the all-new Dacia Duster do? Quite disappointing, actually, as it scored only three stars out of five. The Adult and Child Occupant protections were rated at 70% and 84%, respectively. It scored 60% in the Vulnerable Road Users (pedestrian) category and only 57% in the Safety Assist. The Suzuki Swift also scored three stars, and Euro NCAP's chief advises customers looking for budget-friendly cars to pick something else.

"For Dacia and Suzuki, the emphasis is on affordability, but consumers should be in no doubt that there are competitor vehicles to the Duster and the Swift available on the market, which offer considerably higher levels of safety. This is something you cannot put a price on," Michiel van Ratingen said. "Some, like Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, VW, BMW, and Renault, are convinced of their customers' commitment to safety and its higher worth in the product offering."

But why speak about these brands? Well, Euro NCAP also tested the latest Mercedes E-Class, Europe's new-gen Volkswagen Passat, the Skoda Superb and Kodiaq, the Renault Rafale and Espace, and the BMW X2. And guess what? All of them scored a maximum of five stars. The Espace, Rafale, and X2 "are rated as 5-star twins to 2022-tested cars," Europe's automotive safety specialist added, highlighting the fact that the Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology, aka the electric G-Wagen, has been "added as a variant to the G-Class tested in 2019."

Despite the chunkier size, the Dacia Duster remains a B-SUV with a 2,657 mm (104.6 inches) long wheelbase. It measures 4,343 mm (171 in) from bumper to bumper, is 1,829 mm (72 in) wide, and 1,660 mm (65.4 in) tall. Manual and automatic transmissions are on deck, and the diesel firepower is no longer a thing. Instead, the model comes with a self-charging hybrid making 138 hp (140 ps/103 kW) in the top form, a mild hybrid, and a bi-fuel unit that can run on gasoline and LPG. The AWD system is still an option available on certain specs.

In Romania, Dacia is asking for a minimum of €18,800 (equal to $20,340) for the base variant. The 48V model starts at €21,600 ($22,370) and the self-charging Hybrid 140 at €25,150 ($27,210). So, do you still think the new-gen Duster is good value for money?