Dacia Spring

The passenger compartment of the Spring remained stable in the frontal offset test. Readings of several parameters in the dummies’ legs were high, indicating poor protection, and structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.  Protection of the driver dummy’s chest was also rated as poor, based on readings of chest compression during the test.  The pelvis of the driver was also poorly protected with dummy readings exceeding recommended values.  Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and of the deformation of the barrier afterwards, revealed that the Spring would be a benign crash partner to other vehicles. In the full width rigid barrier test, the head of the rear passenger was penalised for the extent to which it moved forward, and protection was rated as poor.  Chest protection of both occupants was rated as marginal, based on measurements of compression.  In both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, rib compression indicated marginal levels of chest protection, but that of other critical body areas was good. The Spring is not equipped with a centre airbag to protect against occupant to occupant injuries in side impacts. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injures in the event of a rear-end collision. However, a geometric assessment of the rear seats indicated poor whiplash protection. The Spring has an advanced eCall system which partially fulfilled Euro NCAP’s requirements, and the car has no multi-collision braking system to prevent secondary impacts.  The score was penalised for the high forces needed to open the door post-impact.