Search the Community

To those who intend to purchase a Citroen Nemo or a Peugeot Bipper Tepee do consider asking one or two important questions; does it come with ESP and if it does not, is there an option to get it fitted? This is because the Nemo when subjected to the elk test turned turtle. The ADAC, which is Germany's Automobile Association and Which? Magazine conducted a group test on the mechanically similar Fiat Qubo, Peugeot Bipper Tepee and the Citroen Nemo Multispace. The elk test conducted meant that the cars were driven towards a chicane at 90km/h, then at the chicane a swerve maneuver, left and right as if avoiding a stray animal (like an elk) crossing the road. This test was mad famous when the original Mercedes A-class failed it spectacularly. The Fiat Qubo passed the test as the model tested was equipped with an optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The next car tested was the Citroen Nemo, which wasn't equipped with ESP and when going through the elk test, landed on its roof. The Peugeot version wasn't tested as it didn't feature ESP also and obviously the testers did not want to risk a repeat incident. Both Citroen and Peugeot do not offer ESPs on both vehicles in petrol forms and only as an option in the diesel version.There seems to be a diesel version of the Citroen sold in Singapore and from the looks of it, ESP isn't specced. So people looking to buy this Citroen should better check to see whether it now has such an option. Those that have bought one should see if the dealer can retrofit such a system as it may be dangerous. Even that the mostly slow average speeds of vehicles in Singapore it may be dangerous as it still rains, and accidents do happen. I do know that the PSA group aren't taking things seriously enough as a spokesman said that the elk test is too severe and their normal test procedures do not include it. I'm sorry but I have to disagree. These vehicles are vehicles that are still used on highways and also speed unlimited places like the Autobahn. An incident resulting in emergency manuvers may happen at speeds in excess of 90km/h. I mean, 90km/h is not that fast. It is the speed limit for most urban highways all around the world. In fact Citroen will only fit the ESP standard on diesel Nemos from September of this year, and petrol models will get it even later as they haven't developed one yet. Fiat and Peugeot will follow suit. But no actual news from them too on this. Amazing. Utterly amazing. Click to see the video of the test if you're interested in watching a Nemo bite the dust. Source:Autoexpress