Planning to buy a spacious 7-seater SUV from Renault in the next couple of years? Then this update is for you! The much-anticipated 7-seater version of the Renault Duster—expected to be called the Renault Boreal—has undergone safety testing in Europe under its Dacia Bigster nameplate. Although India is yet to get this car, it gives us a sneak peek into what buyers can expect from Renault’s next big SUV launch in 2026. Let’s dive into the Euro NCAP safety ratings, key safety features, and what Indian families should really know before planning a purchase.
Renault Duster 7-Seater: What Is It?
While the Dacia Bigster is already creating buzz in Europe as a 5-seater, its Renault version, possibly called the Renault Boreal, is expected to be offered as a 7-seater SUV in markets like India. This SUV will sit above the new-gen Duster and compete with popular options like the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar.
The Bigster/Boreal has recently been crash-tested by Euro NCAP and has earned a 3-star safety rating. While the rating may not sound impressive at first, there’s a lot of context Indian buyers need to understand.
Renault Boreal Safety Features – What You’ll Get
Here’s a quick list of important safety features expected in the Indian-spec Renault 7-seater SUV:
- 6 airbags
- Front passenger airbag cut-off
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters
- AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) – works for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
- Lane Keep Assist and Speed Assistance System
- Driver fatigue and distraction alert
These features align with modern safety expectations and make the Boreal a serious contender for Indian families who value both space and safety.
Check out Renault India’s official website for more updates →
Euro NCAP Test Breakdown – Adult & Child Occupant Safety
In the Adult Occupant Safety category, the Dacia Bigster (Renault Boreal) scored 69% (27.7 points). The car’s body structure held up well in frontal and side crash tests. Good protection was offered to the knees and femurs, though the driver’s chest protection was rated weak in some frontal tests. Rear passengers also received decent protection.
In Child Occupant Safety, the score was 85% (42 points), which is excellent. The car performed strongly in both frontal and side impact tests with child dummies. The ability to disable the front airbag and install a rear-facing child seat in the front is an added bonus.
However, it lacks advanced features like child presence detection, which some premium SUVs in India are now offering.
Vulnerable Road User Protection – Cyclists & Pedestrians
Here, the Boreal scored 60% (38.2 points). While it offers good protection to the head in case of an impact, the base of the windscreen and A-pillars were rated weak. Pelvis protection was rated poor, but leg protection was acceptable. Importantly, the AEB system works well for avoiding collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
But one missing feature? There’s no cyclist door alert system to prevent accidents when doors are opened suddenly.
Safety Assist Tech – Where It Shines and Misses
In the Safety Assist category, the Boreal managed 57% (10.3 points). The AEB and seatbelt reminder systems worked perfectly. Features like driver fatigue alert, lane-keeping support, and speed limiter also performed well.
However, the absence of rear seat occupant detection led to a point deduction—something families with kids or elders might find concerning.
Our Take – Should Indian Buyers Wait For The Renault Boreal?
Why you should be excited:
- A 7-seater SUV from Renault has been long awaited.
- It’s built on the trusted Duster platform, known for ruggedness.
- Solid set of modern safety features, even if some are missing.
- Expected to be competitively priced under ₹20 lakh.
What to be aware of:
- 3-star rating might not inspire confidence for safety-focused buyers.
- Some advanced safety features missing, compared to rivals.
- Interior quality and tech levels for the India version still unknown.
Conclusion:
The upcoming Renault Boreal (Duster 7-Seater) is shaping up to be a strong option in India’s mid-size SUV segment. While its Euro NCAP rating is just 3 stars, don’t dismiss it yet—many cars in India score similarly or lower. It offers a well-rounded safety package and is expected to come with competitive pricing and Renault’s updated design language. If you’re in the market for a family SUV that doesn’t compromise on space, looks, or affordability, it might be worth waiting for this one.
Keep checking Renault India’s website for launch updates, features, and bookings!
