But when we contacted Datsun South Africa, they simply dismissed it and said “Not sure where this material has emanated from, but would consider this to be mere speculation”. Now, it seems Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun, has confirmed to a South Africa publication that the entry-level Datsun Go hatchback is indeed getting a new and safer variant, from mid-2015.
Datsun Go Airbag version is expected to launch in South Africa in July, 2015.(Only) Driver side Airbag would be offered as an option in top end Datsun Go Lux model, at extra price of around R3000 (around Rs. 15,000). This probably means the same Airbag variant would launch in India as well, around the same time, considering the car is being manufactured and exported to South Africa from here. Further, the Datsun Go+ MPV launched in India earlier this year (in January) also has optional driver side Airbag in the range topping trim.
The move comes as a response to widespread criticism regarding Datsun Go hatchback’s passive safety, after Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) revealed the poor results of frontal crash and side impact tests. They also mentioned that it would be pointless to fit ABS and Airbags on this car as the structure is very weak.
Datsun Go front passengers risk fatal injuries during frontal crash at speeds of 64 kmph and above.This is not a problem with Datsun Go alone, it is in fact the state of several entry-level (or) A-segment cars. Even B-segment cars like Hyundai i10, Maruti Swift, Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo received similar Zero Star rating from GNCAP. Following which, Polo was given Airbag as standard, and it scored 4-stars.
Datsun stated in response that Datsun Go although not being up to the mark in passive safety, it is far superior to other cars it competes with, in terms of preventing a crash in the first place. Like, with least stopping distance and better view / least amount of blind spots for the driver.
The only consolation is to say that entry-level cars shall be considered an upgrade to two-wheelers, and those who seek really strong and safe four-wheeler should look in higher segments.
Via – news24
