India-bound Dacia Bigster (Renault Boreal) Scores 3-Star Rating In Euro NCAP Crash Tests
Two important launches from the French carmaker will play key roles in reviving Renault in India- the new Duster and its 7-seater iteration which the carmaker says would be called ' Boreal' when launched. The name has deep meaning and is in fact, a word that exists in French. 'Boreal' is derived from the word 'Boreas' and is also a nod to the Latin word borealis, referring to 'Northern Winds'
The 7-seater Duster is already on sale in several international markets, as the Dacia Bigster. In the latest turn of events, the Bigster has scored a 3-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.
It scored 69% in adult protection and 85% in child occupant protection. The Bigster scored a total of 27.70 points out of 40 for adult occupant protection and 42 out of 49 for Child protection. The vehicle scored the highest points in the side pole impact test. All critical body parts enjoyed good protection.
The Euro NCAP report said that the SUV's passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test. Both the driver and co-driver dummies had good protection for their knees and femurs. However, the driver's chest protection was rated as weak.
In the front offset and side barrier tests, the Bigster offered good protection to critical body parts of child dummies. It was in the child safety assessment that the SUV scored the highest. The front passenger airbag can be switched off, and thus, a rearward-facing child restraint can be used on the front seat. There is also an advanced eCall system that can be used to avail emergency services in case of an accident.
The European-spec Bigster comes equipped with six standard airbags, driver assist functions (ADAS) like Autonomous Emergency braking and Driver fatigue alert system.
What To Expect On India-Spec Boreal (Bigster)?
Renault is expected to launch the India-spec Bigster or the 'Boreal' later this year, or early next year. The five-seater Duster will come first, and will be joined later by the three-row SUV. Both these SUVs will have Y-shaped LED DRLs, new LED headlamps, illuminated Renault logo, chunky wheel arches, C-pillar mounted door handles, and Y-shaped tail lamps. The Boreal will likely roll on 19-inch alloy wheels.
In its dimensions, the Bigster (or Boreal) is slightly taller and longer than the new Duster. The width, however, remains the same on both SUVs.
The cabin will have a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, panoramic sunroof, a flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and an Arkamys premium audio system. The top-spec could also offer Level 2 ADAS. The same has already been confirmed on the Duster.
The European-spec Bigster offers a range of powertrain options. The India-spec, however, could offer less in terms of choice. A strong hybrid engine that produces 155hp and a 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol, mild-hybrid engine are expected. Globally, the Bigster offers an LPG powertrain and AWD (All Wheel Drive) hardware as well. It remains to be seen if these would make it to India.
User reviews say that the Bigster offers better ride quality than the regular Duster. The power delivery is more linear and the hybrid engine rarely feels stressed when pushed hard. The cabin gets better insulation and the automatic transmission feels better tuned on the 7-seater SUV than its 5-seater counterpart. The Bigster is said to do the 0-100 kph sprint in under 10 seconds.