Latin NCAP Accuses Stellantis of Misleading Car Buyers With ONE-Star Jeep Renegade

In the Adult Occupant protection, the subcompact crossover achieved 48.71%. Another 66.71% and 45.32% were scored in the Child Occupant and Pedestrian categories, respectively, and 55.81% in the Safety Assist. Latin NCAP noted good body and marginal head protection in the side impact, noting that the side pole test was not performed since the side and curtain airbags are optional, and the car only comes with two standard airbags. In the frontal impact test, the head of the 18-month dummy came in contact with the front seat, which led to point losses.

The last time Latin NCAP tested the Jeep Renegade was in 2015, and the vehicle scored a maximum of five stars. Under their protocols, automakers are allowed to use the star rating for up to four years after publication. According to the safety agency, Jeep still uses it for the 2023 model, and, through the voice of Secretary General Alejandro Furas, they're urging the Stellantis-owned brand to "change this approach and improve basic safety equipment in cars." The exec said that "Stellantis disappoints once again and falls behind its competitors in terms of safety performance and standard safety equipment," adding that they're disappointed in "the misleading communications towards Latin American consumers."

Speaking about the topic, Latin NCAP Chairman Stephan Brodziak added: "It is unfortunate that Stellantis misleads consumers in the region by using a Latin NCAP result that simply cannot be applied to the newly-tested Jeep Renegade. The brand should at least rectify this situation immediately and volunteer to evaluate any improvement in the safety of this model. Taking into account that the human body is equally vulnerable to a collision anywhere in the world, we strongly urge Stellantis to put aside the pernicious practices of misleading advertising and vehicle safety double standards and to respect the consumers of the entire region, providing the same minimum level of protection in all markets where the Jeep Renegade is sold."

In addition to the Brazil-made Renegade, Latin NCAP also tested the Volkswagen Taigun that comes to life in India. Offered with six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, this model achieved five stars. It scored 92.47% in the Adult Occupant, 91.84% in the Child Occupant, 55.14% in the Pedestrian, and 83.28% in the Safety Assist category. The safety agency notes that whiplash protection was good, and the child dummy was fully protected in the dynamic tests. The Taigun, which is ordered with automatic emergency braking by at least 60% of the buyers in the region, also showed good protection in the side impact and good protection for the head and marginal for the chest in the side pole test. Volkswagen's subcompact crossover's safety was praised by Latin NCAP's officials.