The romanian best-seller Dacia Sandero, launched in december 2012 on european market, managed to score four stars in latest EuroNCAP tests. This is the best score for a romanian model in the history of Dacia.
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. Dacia showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier test, protection of the chest was adequate and that of the other body regions was good. However, in the more severe side pole test, dummy readings of chest compression indicated weak protection of the chest. The seat and head restraints provided marginal protection to the front seat occupants against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end impact.
Based on dummy readings in the dynamic tests, the Sandero scored maximum points for its protection of the 18 month dummy, sat in a rearward-facing restraint. Forward movement of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward-facing restraint, was not excessive in the frontal impact. In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of dangerous head contact with parts of the car interior. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not clear and the system was not rewarded.
The bumper scored maximum points for the protection offered to pedestrians’ legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet offered poor protection to the pelvis area. In those areas where a child’s head might strike the bonnet, adequate protection was offered but it was mostly poor in the areas likely to be struck by the head of an adult.
Electronic stability control is standard equipment and passed Euro NCAP’s test requirements. A seatbelt reminder is provided for the front seats but no system is available in the rear.
