V08-02

Official Solution:


Tests conducted by National Automobile Association of India (NAAI) have revealed that the vacuum brakes fixed on Nano mini-cars perform better than any brake fixed on any other mini-car in each of the test scenarios. Thus, any consumer who is purchasing a mini-car solely on the basis of safety should purchase a Nano.

Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the argument?


A. Mini-cars are less safe than some other types of automobiles.
B. Most consumers purchase cars based on multiple criteria in addition to safety.
C. Some of the scenarios in the tests conducted by NAAI are rarely confronted during ordinary city driving.
D. The vacuum brakes on Nano mini-cars are costlier to maintain than those of other mini-cars.
E. Some other mini-cars achieved a better frontal-collision safety rating than the Nano mini-cars.


A. Mini-cars may be less safe than other types of cars, but the question is about “any consumer who is purchasing a mini-car”. Thus other types of cars are out of context.

B. Most consumers may purchase cars based on multiple criteria in addition to safety, but the question is about “any consumer who is purchasing a mini-car solely on the criteria of safety”. Thus other types of customers are out of context.

C. The tests might have included some scenarios that are not commonly confronted in ordinary city driving, but still the brakes on Nano performed better than others in each of the scenarios, in those specific not-so-common scenarios or otherwise. Thus this statement does not weaken the argument.

D. The cost of maintenance is not the criterion for selection. The question is about “any consumer who is purchasing a mini-car solely on the criteria of safety”.

E. CORRECT. This option points out another safety aspect that is superior in other mini-cars than in Nano. Therefore this option may give a reason to “any consumer who is purchasing a mini-car solely on the criteria of safety” to buy a different car than a Nano. Hence this option weakens the argument.


Answer: E