Latin NCAP strips Renault of three star safety rating for Clio

06.24.2015

Zero star rating after Renault break safety promise to fit life saving occupant airbags as standard.

Latin NCAP crash tested the Renault Clio Mio in 2013. The Clio without occupant airbags achieved a zero star rating. As a result of the crash test, Renault committed to sell only the model with driver and passenger airbags fitted as standard in the Latin American region.

Solely because of this commitment and production check, Latin NCAP retested the Renault Clio with driver and passenger airbags and the car achieved a three star rating.

Now, following a recent investigation, Latin NCAP has discovered that as the Renault Clio production moved also to Colombia, it is not fitted with airbags and that airbags are not even made available for the car as optional equipment.

Following Latin NCAP’s investigation, Renault has now committed to upgrade the Clio sold in Colombia to include driver and passenger airbags by February 2016. Until then Latin NCAP will rate the Clio as a zero star car. 

Alejandro Furas, Latin NCAP Secretary General said, “The withdrawal of airbags has been an extremely disappointing development from a manufacturer like Renault. In other markets they have achieved high star ratings for their models. Why did they break their safety promise to consumers in Latin America?”