Maruti Suzuki Swift and Datsun Go fail NCAP crash test
Barely month after the Tata Nano, Hyundai i10, Maruti Alto800, Ford Figo and VW Polo failed to clear the Global NCAP’s crash tests, the latest set of crash test results also point to how unsafe the cars plying in our roads are. Global NCAP, an umbrella body for consumer car safety testing, has tested the popular Maruti Suzuki Swift and Datsun’s Go, both of which received zero-star safety ratings for their adult occupant protection.
According to the report of the testing authority, the Maruti Suzuki Swift scored zero stars for adult occupant protection and just one star for child occupant protection. The Swift tested was base model without airbags, which meant that the driver’s head makes direct contact with the steering wheel. The dummy inspection found a high probability of life threatening injuries. The agency also pointed out the structure of the Swift is prone to collapse in a crash and is unstable. The Maruti Swift received a zero star rating in the 64kmph frontal collision test. The export spec Swift (to Latin America) which has airbags and ABS as standard, was also tested. The export spec Swift got a three-star rating which underlines the need of these safety measurements in every car.
The Datsun Go scored zero stars for adult occupant protection and just two stars for child occupant protection. Like the Swift, the structure of the Go was found to be unstable during collisions, and there is a high probability of life-threatening injuries in the event of a crash.
Meanwhile, both the Nissan and Maruti Suzuki responded to the developments. “Datsun GO meets local vehicle regulations in India,” said Nissan India operations President Guillaume Sicard, while Maruti Suzuki explained the cars manufactured and sold by them in India, fully conform to all regulations applicable in the country.
Global NCAP bought these cars and informed the manufacturers before testing. In January 2014, a similar test was conducted for the Nano, i10, Alto 800, Figo and Polo, saw the cars fail miserably which also raised questions over the need to implement airbags and ABS standard for all the cars in India. Subsequently, Volkswagen offered dual airbags in even the basic Polo model.
The results also made a huge hue and cry over implementing a security initiative from the government. It is reported that a Road Transport and Safety Bill has been put forward by the Ministry of Road Ttransport and Highways has called for setting up of an all-India NCAP, and adoption of safety standards to make cars more safe and pave the way for adopting global crash safety norms.
Watch the Suzuki Maruti Swift crash test YouTube video here
Watch the Datsun Go crash test YouTube video here
