Auto Express
is reporting that ADAC of Germany, one of Europe's biggest automobile clubs, was able to flip one of Renault's new Logan budget cars during a sudden avoidance maneuver at only 40 mph. What's more shocking is that the drivers' side A-pillar caved in when the car rolled onto its roof. While the car did lack electronic stability technology, others cars without this safety feature merely slid in previous tests. A Renault UK spokesman, however, has dismissed the incident saying that the car had already passed the test twice but was fitted with a wrong tire after one was punctured, which evidently led to these shocking pictures. Even if that were the case, the collapse of the A-pillar is still a serious issue that Renault should investigate before the car goes on sale.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tom W @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Why is that test driver not wearing a helmet?
Pontiac Solstice @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Not very scientific, but the tread pattern on all 4 tires looks the same. Diameter looks the same. I'm not sure such a minor thing should make rolling a car that easy, even if its true (which is doubtful, in my book)
iQuack @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
QUOI? QUOI?
Renault est merde?
Maybe the French should stick with cooking good food and leave car design to others.
nvdw @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
You're running behind the facts, because recent evidence has shown that ADAC deliberately flipped the car by pulling off some dangerous tricks which have nothing to do with the infamous elk-test, which the Logan passed. Witnesses have stated that the car was fitted with worn tyres, one of which was the smaller spare tyre. ADAC have removed both the article and the photos from their website. It seems the Germans wanted payback for the Mercedes A-Class disaster: that car didn't manage to pass the elk-test either, and it still isn't clear whether that car was put it on its roof on purpose.
Fooman @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Now the front left seems to be wider... perhaps preventing some understeer. still pretty unacceptable esp with the a pillar failure.
But look at that typical German driving not even suprised when the car tipped. just leaning into it, does anything bother the Germans besides the failure of smart?
Matt Beau @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Uh, the Logan is already on sale... Romania was one of the first countries to offer it and it's been on sale in France for a few weeks already.
Finished.Law.School @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
You don't see cars driving on their side wheels as often as you used to in the 80s...
Dirth Pitranger @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Tires look the same to me. The driver IS wrong to not wear a helmet while doing test runs. It is possible to make some cars roll over when a series of "maneuvers" are performed. Pontiac freaks will tell you, "wider is better". Saaay, how about a comercial like that? But, don't use a Renualt!!!
Brandon @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
if ever a picture deserved a "caption this"...
Mark @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Why isnt the driver wearing a helmet?
Motorin @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Flawed test procedure or not, one thing is certain...that's an awesome photo!
Mika @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
#3: you should keep that kind of comment for yourself. Rant on Renault, the designer, but not on French (btw, first car ever made was French).
Mal Fuller @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Horrible cars are a tradition at Renault. Is there any other marque that has failed TWICE in the North American market?
Za @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
That is such an awesome picture. He looks so apathetic.
iQuack @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Mika#10:
French also first with toast, fries, and kissing. I love the French and was just kidding.
Sean @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
I cannot believe how calm that guy looks!
Lee Gibson @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
That looks like fun! I've got to get me one of those.
I don't care what kind of tires it's got: That should not be possible in a roadworthy automobile.
I'm looking at you, Ford Explorer.
fuscob @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
No, the Belgians invented French fries.
thefultonhow @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Renaults, as Mal Fuller said, have long been mediocre. My grandparents drove one at one point when they were in Europe; the gearbox came apart while they were going down a mountain and pieces of it lodged in the brake line, meaning they had no way to stop except the emergency brake. That certainly does not inspire confidence in Renaults for me.
Jaymez @ Dec 18th 2005 11:06PM
Even if the driver had to go through some serious manuevers to get the car to flip, pictures like this do not inspire any confidence in the vehicle. I know I've had to make some extreme manuvers to avoid an accident in the past. I did so to avoid being hurt, not so I could be crushed in a diffrent accident.
As an aside, the pic with the driver screams photoshop to me. As others have pointed out, given what is about to happen, that driver looks WAY too calm. I know I'd be in the process of having a heart attack while dropping a rather raunchy load in my drawers.