G-Wiz's new safety drive

Sales of the G-Wiz stalled last year after it was heavily damaged in a test crash.

Experts at the Transport Research Laboratory who conducted the 40mph test said that in real life the crash would have left those inside the car with life-threatening injuries.

Sales picked up again within weeks and nearly 1,000 drivers in London now own a G-Wiz, but the manufacturers have attempted to make the tiny town car safer anyway.

The new model has reworked crumple-zones to absorb impact in a crash and the steering column is now collapsible to reduce danger to the driver in a collision.

Other changes include new sideimpact beams in the doors and more powerful front disc brakes. Importers GoinGreen say the new car has passed 25mph crash tests, deemed sufficient because the vehicle spends most of its life in low-speed urban traffic.

The latest model costs £9,485, compared with £8,985 for the older version.

But, thanks to improved batteries, it is said to deliver 40 per cent more power. That is enough to hit a top speed of 50mph, up 10mph.

It also features a curved windscreen that gives extra internal space and the seating has been lowered for more comfort.

The G-Wiz can travel up to 48 miles on one charge compared with the previous 40.

GoinGreen also points out that the turning circle is a tight 3.5 metres, that the car can be fully charged from a household plug in eight hours and that it costs 9.9p a mile to run, all in.

"It is ideal for many commuters' journeys in London," says Keith Johnston, GoinGreen managing director. "It is nippier than before, more spacious and safer and there are no emissions."

Not only do G-Wiz owners not have to pay the congestion charge, their vehicles are also zero-rated for vehicle excise duty.

In addition, some councils such as Westminster allow G-Wiz drivers to park free of charge.

Westminster is also installing electric charging points across the city in a joint venture with Transport for London.

Last week, an electric challenger to the G- Wiz - the Think - was revealed by the Evening Standard.

Made by a Norwegian firm, it will go on sale at the end of the year. With a range of 125 miles, it will cost £14,000, plus a monthly £100 rental charge.