Global NCAP is calling for Nissan to withdraw its new Datsun Go city car from sale after the new model spectacularly failed crash tests with a zero-star rating.
The Go’s bodyshell effectively collapsed in the tests and the car has no airbags. However, Global NCAP said airbags would have been ineffectual with such an unstable structure.
Global NCAP chairman Max Mosley said: “It is extremely disappointing that Nissan has authorised the launch of a brand new model that is so clearly sub-standard.
"As presently engineered, the Datsun Go will certainly fail to pass the United Nations’ frontal impact regulation. I would urge Nissan to withdraw the Datsun Go from sale in India, pending an urgent redesign of its bodyshell.”
Targeted primarily at emerging markets like India, the Go marks the return of the Datsun brand after an absence of 30 years. It's powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 67bhp, giving it a 0-62mph time of 15 seconds and claimed fuel economy of 58.2mpg.
Watch the Go's crash test in the video from Global NCAP, below.
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