Euro NCAP has given the Fiat Punto its first-ever zero-star rating as it highlights how older cars are falling behind on modern safety standards.

Euro NCAP has given the Fiat Punto its first-ever zero-star rating

Part of a review of a number of existing and recently facelifted models, the test on the Fiat supermini – which has been on sale since 2005 – saw it achieve a figure of 51% for adult occupant safety, 43% for child occupant and 52% for pedestrian protection, performing well enough to still qualify for two stars in these areas. However, it scored an unprecedented 0% for in driver assistance and crash avoidance, with Euro NCAP noting that there’s only a seatbelt reminder system for the driver as standard.

Euro NCAP also revisited its ratings for several recently facelifted cars. The Toyota Yaris retained its five-star rating, but a number of models dropped to three stars, including the Toyota Aygo (four stars with optional safety equipment), DS 3, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Ford’s C-Max and Grand C-Max, the Opel Karl/Vauxhall Viva and the Dacia Duster and MG ZS.
Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen said: “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.”

The latest batch of Euro NCAP ratings also brings five-star scores for the new Hyundai Kona, Jaguar F-Pace, Kia Stinger, BMW 6 Series GT and Toyota Yaris. The Kia Stonic was given a three-star rating, elevated to five stars with the optional safety pack.

Commenting on the results, Matthew Avery, director of research, Thatcham Research, said: “Some great strides have been made in car safety this year. 72% of the cars tested achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, versus 56% 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.

“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.”