IAB Report - "Pointless to fit an airbag" on the Datsun Go due to weak structure

Indian NCAP to come into effect from 2016.

Global NCAP and Nissan India have each released a statement after the crash test results of the Maruti Swift and Datsun Go were made public yesterday. Maruti on its part has chosen to remain silent.

Nissan India Operation's president, Guillaume Sicard, says that the Go meets the required local vehicle regulations in India. It needs to be mentioned that even the top-end variant of the Go does not come with ABS or an airbag, and after going through Global NCAP's report, it may seem a moot point to offer an airbag on the low-cost car.

According to Global NCAP Secretary General, David Ward, the Go "has body structure so weak that is pointless to fit an airbag." Mr. Ward added that it was "disappointing" to see Nissan launch a model like the Datsun Go in 2014.

On the sidelines, the Global NCAP welcomed the proposed Indian NCAP, which is expected to be in place by 2016. Adding caution though, the agency advised that the Indian NCAP would need to adopt the UN's minimum crash test standards in order to truly reduce fatalities on the road. "Action like this would prevent the introduction of brand new models like the Datsun Go", Mr. Ward said.

Nissan India added in its statement that it is "willing to adopt as well as help evolve standards in vehicular safety."

Global NCAP's Press Release on Datsun Go and Maruti Swift Crash Tests

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