THIS car scored the first ever zero-star Euro NCAP rating
ONE car became the first to land a zero-star Euro NCAP rating.
Fiat Punto received the first zero-star rating since testing began 20 years ago, in the final Euro NCAP test results of the year.
It is a re-release of the 2005 version and was given the low score for its low crash performance and the absence of key safety technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support Systems - giving it an unprecedented 0% ‘Safety Assist’ result.
“In 2005 the FIAT Punto achieved a good rating. However, Euro NCAP frequently raises the bar in its testing regime – and the FIAT Punto’s adult occupant protection score of 51% is more than 30% below the average for the Superminis tested in 2017,” comments Matthew Avery, director of research, Thatcham Research.
“Yes this is essentially an old car, but that should have sharpened the focus on fitting safety technologies to counteract it’s dated crash performance.”
Despite the Fiat getting a zero-star Euro NCAP rating, its the three-star ratings for carmakers that have delivered five-star cars in the recent past which are most surprising, comments Avery.
EURO NCAP
Related articles
Six cars tested this month received a three-star rating. These were the: Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Dacia Duster, Ford C-MAX / Grand C-MAX, Vauxhall Karl, Citroen DS 3 and MG ZS.
The Jaguar Land Rover F-Pace, Kia Stinger, Toyota Yaris, fourth generation BMW 6 Series and Hyundai KONA all achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings.
Mr Avery commented: “This is a tale of two Citroens.
"In November, the DS 7 Crossback achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating – and came with standard-fit AEB and Lane Departure Warnings.
“The DS is a premium brand, but Citroen has made a clear decision with the DS 3, offering AEB as an option only.
Some great strides have been made in car safety this year
“Some great strides have been made in car safety this year. 72 per cent of the cars tested achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, versus 56 per cent in 2016.
“But December’s test results have shown that some carmakers are choosing not to fit potentially life-saving safety technology as standard, despite an overall trend to the contrary in 2017.
“It’s about decision making – some are choosing to prioritise the fitment of technologies to support drivers and bring down accident rates. Others are not.
EURO NCAP
“This is now imperative. From the beginning of 2018 vehicles without standard-fit AEB systems won’t be able to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating.”
Manufacturers whose cars achieve three-stars have also produced five-star cars over the past year.
The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, while the Vauxhall Insignia features in Thatcham Research’s top ten safest cars of the year.
