New G-Wiz attempts to tackle safety concerns

GoinGreen, the UK distributer of the G-Wiz electric car, has this week unveiled the latest model of the popular zero emissions car, promising improved performance and enhanced safety features.

The company said that the new 2008 G-Wiz i was the result of a collaboration between the car's Indian manufacturer Reva Electric Car Company and Lotus that had resulted in a number of new safety features being added, including "increased front and side impact protection, a strengthened space frame, a collapsible steering column [and] a hill rolling restraint feature".

The safety of the G-Wiz has been the subject of considerable debate following tests carried out by the Top Gear TV show earlier this year that showed that the vehicle failed to meet safety standards expected of conventional cars. A 40mph crash test carried out to the EuroNCAP procedure concluded that such a collision could "cause serious or life-threatening injuries to the vehicle occupants".

GoinGreen said that the G-Wiz technically qualifies as a quadricycle and as such does not have to be crash tested under UK and EU law.

However, it added that the new 2008 G-Wiz i "has been independently, voluntarily frontal crash tested for city speed driving conditions at 25 mph by ARAI [the Automotive Research Association of India] following the addition of the Lotus assisted safety package".

The new model, which is expected to be available from next year, also boasts enhanced performance, according to GoinGreen, including an advanced drivetrain that delivers a range of up to 48 miles per charge, a top speed of 50mph, improved acceleration to 30mph and new front disc brakes that deliver a 30 per cent improvement in performance.