Citroen is to consider fitting ESP as standard on more of its vehicles, after its Nemo Multispace failed the so-called 'elk test'.
The testing, conducted by the German Automobile Association (ADAC) and Which?, involved driving the Nemo Multispace through an emergency obstacle avoidance manoeuvre at 50mph.
During the test, the car rolled over onto its roof.
A Citroen spokesman confirmed the incident, but cautioned that the elk test doesn't reflect real world driving conditions. "Our test procedures conducted in development reflect real-life avoidance tests combined with normal driving reactions," he said. "The elk test is extremely severe."
The spokesman confirmed that the 'elk test' wouldn't be a standard part of Citroen's testing procedures, despite its notoriety within the industry.
Peugeot confirmed that its Bipper Tepee would share the same handling characteristics as the Nemo, although it was not tested by ADAC for safety reasons. The Fiat Qubo, which is also based on the same platform, passed the test with a model fitted with ESP, but was not tested without it.
PSA, the parent company of Peugeot-Citroen, has responded by announcing it will fit ESP to both the Nemo and Bipper as standard by autumn 2011 at the latest.
At present, ESP is not available on any Nemos or Bippers, and as a cost option on diesel-powered Qubos.
The Citroen spokesman confirmed that the company would review its policy on ESP, which is not fitted to some models in its range, or is offered as a cost-option only.
"It is clearly an issue we are aware of and considering," he said.
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Re: Citroen Nemo fails 'elk test'
ESP is a progress.
The revolution was still the ABS. The ABS brought a great contribution to the active safety. Make tests on track, you'll be convinced.
I regret that many brands don't offer a genuine disconnectable ESP. Even on the 911 (except the GTx) it isn't disconnectable! A crime, no?When you cross areas inhabited by animals, first adapt your speed.
Because, ESP or not, people react almost always wrong and too late.
In all cases, don't fear a rollover
Re: Citroen Nemo fails 'elk test'
I cannot stand ESP, My cars in the past have had it, and I switched it off if I was making progress, as they have a tendency to mask any feedback you might get from the car.
My Racing Kart does not have it (0-100 = 6 secs, top end 170)
In the recent snow, my traction control was switched off, so I could steer the car using the thottle (my car is RWD), Driver training is key, unfortunetly most people cannot control a sliding car, they panic, do the wrong thing and crash.
Because ESP is seen as a safety feature, people rely on it to get them out of trouble.
As a question, anyone know how quick a porsche can stop. I did a quick check about a Cayman the other day, 100-0 in 93metres (assuming perfect conditions)
As a side note I have covered in excess of 1Million miles in the last 20yrs, in my job as a systems engineer covering the UK.
Re: Citroen Nemo fails 'elk test'
'Knowing how to hold a slide' will not help you in this kind of obstacle avoidance situation, where two rapid and opposite direction changes are required (you've got to stay on the road/in your lane after the manoeuvre, remember). Holding a slide will just plough you into the obstacle you're trying to avoid. Now that we have the technology, ESP should be a standard fitment on a par with brakes. Anything short of that is wrong, especially when it's a new car which does have the capability for ESP to be fitted. It's not a brain failure cop-out or a nancy-boy option, it's a positive handling tool.