In the recent times Datsun Go was in news not due any facelift or updation in the car but due to some disappointing reason. Datsun Go and Swift both the cars failed in the new car assessment program (NCAP) in frontal crash test and as a result received zero ratings. Datsun Go is low cost hatchback by Datsun which fails miserably in that test due to weak body shield and structural integrity. Even ABS and airbags would not be sufficient to save the life of the occupants.
NCAP global in a letter to Nissan CEO Max Mosley has said, “It is extremely disappointing that Nissan has authorized the launch of a brand new model that is so clearly sub-standard. As presently engineered, the car will certainly fail to pass the United Nations frontal impact regulation.”
In these Circumstances, I would urge you to withdraw the Datsun Go from sale in India (and any other markets where it is being sold), pending a redesign of the car’s body-shell to make it worthwhile to fit airbags.”
Nissan Spokesperson in reply to this statement has said, “We are hearing this news from media only that NCAP has sent letters to us but in reality we have not received it yet. He further added, Datsun Go meets the local vehicle required in India and was developed with a strong intent to deliver the best adapted solutions to the local conditions, from best in class braking and good visibility to durability, seat comfort and reduced motion sickness- all being taken as a package aim to decrease potential risk of road accidents.”
“Automotive regulation standards in fast-growing countries are constantly evolving and as a global manufacturer, we are willing to adopt as well as help evolve standards in vehicular safety standards.”
Earlier this year 6 cars including Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, Maruti alto 800, Maruti Swift, Tata Nano and Volkswagen Polo went through frontal crash test and expectedly all the cars failed in it. Only Volkswagen have added Dual SRS airbags after that test and now received for ratings as a result of it and ford Figo managed to survive that test due to rigid body structure.
A single air bag would cost a car manufacturing company merely 3000 bucks and it’s not about the how many stars it receives in that test it’s about the cost of lives of the occupants in it because those stars are more important than the NCAP stars and the manufactures should understand this. This test is so important for India because India is fifth largest passenger vehicle manufacturer.
