Most facelifted models tested at the recently conducted Euro NCAP have revealed some startling results. While several new cars like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Stinger, BMW 6 Series GT and Jaguar F-Pace got five star ratings, a few recently-facelifted versions of older models revealed some sub-par results, including a zero-star score. The ageing Fiat Punto hatchback is the first ever to get a zero star rating.
The Fiat Punto unfortunately was the car that got zero stars for the first time in Euro NCAP’s history. The Punto internationally was launched in 2005 and made its way into India in 2009. And apart from a facelift in 2014 hasn’t seen any major change at all.
“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,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general.
The Punto wasn’t the only car that got re-rated. Others like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max, Toyota Aygo, Opel Karl, and the Citroen DS3 also dropped to three stars under the latest criteria.
