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Fiat Punto scored ZERO stars in Euro NCAP crash test – the first car EVER to be rated so badly
The Italian supermini first hit the market over a decade ago and the refreshed 2017 model has been put through the latest crash tests
THE Fiat Punto has become the first car EVER to be awarded zero stars in a Euro NCAP crash test.
The supermini - popular with families and first-time drivers - was slammed for its "unprecedented" poor scores.
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Several key airbags were missing, testers struggled to fit modern child seats and there was no safety tech on-board.
Its score for adult protection was just 51 per cent - way behind rivals like the VW Polo or Seat Ibiza.
The dashboard was reported as a "risk of injury" to passengers and while whiplash injuries were a real concern.
And testers concluded drivers shouldn't buy the car as there are much safer alternatives.
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The 2017 Punto is the same design launched in 2005 when it was awarded five stars.
But crash tests standards have moved on - and Fiat has not tweaked the car to keep pace.
Buyers can't expect autonomous emergency braking or lane assistance systems that are standard on many modern motors.
Matthew Avery, director of research at safety experts Thatcham Research, said: "What's really concerning is that the Punto is seen as a vehicle to put young drivers in.
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"And that's when you need some of the fundamental tech on vehicles.
"The Punto lacks fundamentals that we take for granted today - like side airbags, chest airbags and seatbelt restraints.
"Buying your youngster a Punto is definitely the wrong thing to do."
Alongside the Fiat Punto, Euro NCAP also tested several other new models.
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And there were six cars that only achieved three-star ratings as Euro NCAP tightened up regulations on safety tech.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Ford C-Max, Dacia Duster, Vauxhall Karl (Viva), DS 3 and MG ZS were all criticised for their performance.
Avery added: "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."
The Jaguar F-Pace, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Vauxhall Insignia, Kia Stinger, Toyota Yaris, BMW 6 Series and Hyundai Kona all achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings.
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A representative from FCA group said in a statement: "Safety is of the utmost importance to the FCA group.
"When Punto was launched 12 years ago, it was the first 5 star EURO NCAP car in its class.
"The importance of safety to the FCA group is demonstrated by the number of new models achieving 5 stars, for example Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Jeep Compass."
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