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.
