Fiat Punto Disappoints Euro NCAP Crash Test With Zero Star Rating

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Fiat Punto was tested alongside India bound Kia Stonic and Toyota Aygo that scored three-star rating

Fiat Punto has scored disappointing zero star rating at the Euro NCAP crash test. The Italian auto major launched third generation Punto back in 2005 and since then the brand did not replace it in several markets. It was tested by the Euro NCAP as the organisation’s decision to check the safety standard of the old cars.

In the latest test campaign of the Euro NCAP several other cars were tested as well. These include two India-bound models Kia Stonic and Toyota Aygo. Apart from that, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max, Ford Grand C-Max, MG ZS, Vauxhall Viva and DS 3 were also tested by the European organisation. All of these cars scored three star rating in their standard form.

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The Toyota Aygo and Kia Stonic received impressive five star safety rating when tested with optional safety equipment fitted to them. This was clearly a big letdown for the Punto and the test result could affect the sales of the hatchback further, as the brand is already facing slump in the retail number of this outdated model.

Fiat has been criticized in the Indian market for selling major number of models, which are basically various iterations of Punto. The not so stylish design and lack of innovative technologies have affected brand’s overall performance in a highly competitive domestic market. Presently, the car maker sells Punto Evo, Avventura, Abarth Punto and Urban Cross like models here that all are based on Punto hatchback.

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Interestingly, when the third generation Fiat Punto was launched back in 2005, it scored five star safety rating from Euro NCAP. With times changed and new safety features, technologies introduced Punto has left behind as the automaker didn’t upgraded it keeping pace with time.

The latest batch of cars tested by the Euro NCAP come pretty disappointing after the previous batch of cars received five star safety rating. That batch included BMW 6 Series GT, Jaguar F-Pace, Kia Stinger, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Kona.