Safety fears over G-Wiz

 Not according to the Depart­ment for Transport. It has voiced "serious safety concerns" about the electric model, as it doesn't meet safety standards used to judge mainstream motors.

It is now in "urgent contact" with Indian maker Reva, after the vehicle failed European crash tests. A DfT spokesman said: "When it was subjected to the impact test expected of normal cars, serious safety concerns were highlighted."

The G-Wiz is exempt from these strict rules, as it is classed as a quadricycle and weighs less than 400kg, excluding batteries. But the DfT says that due to their growing popularity, it must review the regulations. Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman explained: "They were not designed for city run­abouts that resemble small cars."

UK importer GoingGreen says that the majority of owners live in London, but that no serious injuries have been reported, as their average speed around the capital is 10mph.