Nissan’s Datsun GO, launched towards the end of March this year and Maruti Suzuki Swift, one of the best selling models in the country recently got zero star safety rating. According to Global NCAP, the umbrella body of consumer car safety testing, crash tests of both models failed to meet basic safety standards.
However, according to Guillaume Sicard, President of Nissan’s Indian, Datsun GO is a safe car, when taking not just crash tests but various other aspects into account. Sicard is proud that Datsun GO offers unmatched active safety features in the segment like lowest braking distance, road holding, advanced suspension, long range headlights and seats that reduce fatigue.
Global NCAP tested the Datsun Go in only one aspect, crash test. But, safety is depended on many other factors, driver’s ability, car control, etc. When such aspects are considered, Datsun Go fares a lot better than rivals, which includes Tata Nano, Maruti Alto 800, etc.
Pitching the Datsun GO as better than many other competing models, Sicard who does not wish to contradict Global NCAP, also drew attention to the fact that safety was a major concern of the company which was under constant development.
Datsun Go body structure is so weak that it is pointless to install an Airbag for added safety – Global NCAPBesides India, the Datsun GO is also set launched in South Africa, while Indonesia launch is on the cards. The company is training its dealerships to handle customer concerns by drawing attention to various other safety credentials of GO. Sales personnel have been trained to highlight the availability of collapsible steering column which prevents injuries to driver when car meets with frontal impact while shortest braking distance, larger glass area for better visibility and wider headlamps ensure better safety during night driving.
