► Fiat Punto flunks Euro NCAP
► Poor crash test = zero points
► No-star rating for 2017 Punto
Talk about car crash TV. The ageing Fiat Punto has performed unusually badly in the latest Euro NCAP results, becoming the first car to score zero in the independent crash tests. You can watch our video above to see just why the Italian supermini has done so badly, crumpling with little protection given to its occupants.
While other older cars as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ford C-Max all scored three stars, the Fiat stole the unwanted limelight with an overall rating of zero, something Euro NCAP has never seen before.
At the other end of the scale, the newer Hyundai Kona, Kia Stinger, BMW 6-series and Jaguar F-Pace all scored maximum five stars. However, some new cars – including the MG ZS crossover, Dacia Duster and Kia Stonic all managed just three stars.
Why did the Fiat Punto score zero in Euro NCAP?
The Punto scored a respectable five stars on its release in 2005, reflecting how test standards have gone up. One of the main reasons that the Punto received such a poor score was down to the lack of simple safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Support Systems. It scored a feeble 0% in the ‘safety assist’ category.
Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said: ‘We have seen a lot of good cars in 2017, able to meet Euro NCAP’s 5-star requirements. Superminis like the new Polo, the Fiesta and the Ibiza now come with advanced safety technology as standard, offering the best in crash avoidance and crash protection. The fact that older cars cannot compete illustrates the pace at which the vehicle industry is innovating safety and the willingness and ability of competitive manufacturers to meet the highest standards. Those who do not keep their cars up to the latest standards get left behind, as these results clearly show.’
Do you think Euro NCAP is still a useful measure of a car’s safety record? Sound off in the comments below.
