By SHANNON MCGUIGAN
An advert for Twix bars showing a long-haired driving crashing his caramel-coloured motor has been banned for 'condon[ing] unsafe driving'.
The bizarre ad, released at the end of March, shows sporting a 70s-esque fashion involved in a car chase.
But when he takes a sharp turn, he winds up plummeting off the side of the road, overturning the vehicle several times.
However when the clip pans back to the vehicle at the foot of the cliff, there are two identical versions of the car sandwiched upon one another - like a Twix.
To further add to the intrigue, a Twix bar falls from the sunroof of both cars before they head off into the sunset, the 'two is more than one'.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the ad 'must not appear again' as is, asserting it 'condoned unsafe driving.
And while the watchdog noted the stunt took place in a fanciful-type advert, it claimed parts of the video 'appeared likely to breach' the Highway Code.
It also highlighted there was an 'emphasis on speed' as well as 'fast paced beat and music' during the chase, with 'visible skid marks left' on the road.
A Twix advert has been banned for 'condon[ing] unsafe driving' by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
The bizarre ad, released at the end of March, shows sporting a 70s-esque fashion involved in a car chase.
But when he takes a sharp turn, he winds up plummeting off the side of the road, overturning the vehicle several times.
Mars-Wrigley, who own Twix, argued the advert was set in a 'fantastical' world, while NGO Clearcast contested the ad didn't encourage people to drive dangerously
Mars-Wrigley, who own Twix, contested their advert was a 'cinematic presentation' set out in an 'absurd, fantastical' world 'removed from reality'.
Defending their cinematography further, Mars argued the cars featured were driving as 'lawful speeds' and any simulation would reflect 'legal and safe driving'.
The confectionery firm, which also represents Celebrations, Maltesers, said its caramel biscuit bar is renowned for it playful humour, which was further exhibited in the 'fantastical' ad.
Clearcast, a non-governmental organisation, which approves adverts defended the sweet giant, adding the video did not imply 'safe driving was boring' or encourage people to drive in an unsafe manner.
ASA's final ruling on the matter instructed Mars not to 'condone or encourage irresponsible driving' that was unlikely to break the Highway Code via adverts.
A Mars Wrigley UK spokesperson said: 'We always take pride in maintaining high standards across all our communications and every advert we produce is submitted for approval through the appropriate review channels.
'In our view, this particular advert adopts a fantastical tone that is neither realistic nor intended to be imitated.
'Nonetheless, we take our responsibility as an advertiser seriously and never intended to cause any offence or concern, so we are reviewing the ruling carefully in order to work collaboratively towards a resolution.'
