Punto crash test shock

Car safety Fiat reassessed by Euro NCAP Lack of key safety kit a concern

Fiat scores zero stars as it is reassessed by Euro NCAP

THE Fiat Punto has been awarded no stars after being crash tested by independent safety expert Euro NCAP – the first time such a score has been handed out.

The Punto, introduced in 2005 and still on sale, was re-examined as part of Euro NCAP’S efforts to identify cars “past their sell-by-date where safety is concerned”.

Euro NCAP explained the Punto’s no-star score “came because of low scores for its crash performance, combined with the absence of key technologies such as autonomous emergency braking [AEB]”.

As well as no stars overall, the Punto was given zero per cent in the safety assist category. This, too, was the first time such a score had been awarded by Euro NCAP.

Matthew Avery, director of insurance research at Thatcham Research, which plays a pivotal role in Euro NCAP assessments, said that while the Punto should not be considered a dangerous car, “given its £11,000 starting price, in terms of pound-per safety, it’s not a good buy”.

Among the failings Avery highlighted were a lack of side airbags, poor whiplash protection and the absence of AEB. He said “Fiat knows how to make five-star vehicles [such as the 500L] and can do better, while cars like the latest SEAT Ibiza demonstrate it’s possible for buyers to combine value for money with safety.”

Back when it was first tested in 2005 under different test criteria, the Punto (then known as the Grande Punto) scored five stars for the protection it offered adult occupants, and three stars for child passengers. This, Avery told us, “reflects the fact that Euro NCAP has moved on, and Fiat hasn’t with the Punto”.

Addressing the Punto’s score, a Fiat spokeswoman assured Auto Express: “Safety is of the utmost importance to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

“The importance of safety to the FCA Group is demonstrated by the number of new models achieving five stars, for example the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Jeep Compass.”

Other cars assessed in the latest round of tests included the five-star Hyundai Kona, and Jaguar F-pace and three-star MG ZS.

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