Dacia disappoints in safety tests

The Citroën DS4 scored a five-star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP tests, but the Dacia Jogger achieved just one star with many safety features not included and some that are described as sub-standard.

The Citroën DS4 moved from four stars in original tests to five stars following the addition of an optional safety pack, while the Honda HRV achieved a four-star rating with good protection seen for adult and child passengers.

However, the Dacia Jogger was seen to lack basic safety features which are the norm in most family cars, while some of the ‘active’ safety technology fitted to the vehicle was considered sub-standard by experts.

Results found that protection for the chest on the 10-year-old dummy was ‘weak’ and protection for front seat passengers in a collision was rated as ‘marginal’ or ‘adequate’, due to a sub-optimal seatbelt restraint.

Further, there are no seat belt reminders for the new rear row of seats for drivers to ensure that children are appropriately buckled-up, while the side-curtain airbag does not extend far enough back to provide protection for those seated in the rear row, meaning they are far more vulnerable in the event of a side impact.

Matthew Avery, chief research strategy officer, Thatcham Research, said: “For a family car this safety performance is disappointing. The vehicle may be more affordable than others in the same category, but in terms of safety it appears that you do get what you pay for.

“In this case, not only is the Dacia Jogger lacking the active safety features that buyers expect as standard, but even some of its basic passive safety features are not up to the industry standard set by the vast majority of carmakers.”