Citroen eC3 Receives Disappointing 0-Star Global NCAP Safety Rating
New Delhi: The Citroen eC3 electric hatchback has been crash-tested by Global NCAP, resulting in a disappointing 0-star rating for adult safety and a 1-star rating for child safety. This Indian-made model represents one of the last cars to be tested under Global NCAP’s Safe Cars for India campaign, as India has now set up its own India NCAP safety assessment programme.
The tested model of the Citroen eC3 was equipped with dual-front airbags, a belt load limiter and seat belt reminder for the front seats only. However, it lacks essential safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), seat belt pretensioners, side airbags, ISOFIX anchorages and seatbelt reminder for the rear seats.
In terms of adult occupant safety, the eC3 scored 20.86 out of 34. While head and neck protection was rated Good in the frontal impact test, chest protection was rated Weak for the driver and Poor for the passenger. Additionally, driver’s knee protection was marginal due to the potential impact of dangerous structures behind the dashboard.
The lack of side airbags and ESC prevented the EC3 from passing the side pole impact test, resulting in a loss of one star in the overall rating. However, the footwell area and body shell were found to be stable and capable of withstanding further loads.
For child safety, the eC3 scored 10.55 out of 49. While the 18-month-old child seat installed rear-facing provided adequate protection during a frontal impact, it received a poor score during a side impact due to head impact. Similarly, a 3-year-old child seat, when installed forward-facing, may not prevent excessive forward motion and contact of the head with the vehicle interior during a frontal crash.
Global NCAP’s Secretary General, Alejandro Furas, expressed disappointment at the result, particularly given the decline in Citroën’s safety standards as part of the Stellantis group. However, Citroen has announced plans to enhance safety features across all its models in India, including six airbags, ISOFIX seat anchorages and rear seat belt reminder as standard, which is expected to improve safety ratings soon hopefully.
These enhancements are due to be implemented in the second half of 2024, providing reassurance for potential buyers concerned about safety standards in the EC3 and other Citroën models.
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