Fiat 500

It's a tough little customer, that new Fiat 500. Tough enough to be awarded the top five-star crash test rating! Euro NCAP has given the Italian city car the highest possible score in its latest round of assessments.

Despite its compact dimensions, the 500 performed more strongly than some models in the class above, including Fiat’s own Bravo family hatchback. But sources say it could soon do even better, by earning itself an all-new six-star rating when the European test is extended next year.

While it’s excellent news for Fiat, Euro NCAP’s latest results will be a disappointment for rival Renault. The new Twingo managed four stars – breaking the manufacturer’s long run of top safety scores, and earning its poorest result in seven years.

The scoresheet revealed that what let the city car down was the potential for leg injuries from the dashboard during frontal impact tests.

However, Renault boss Carlos Ghosn defended the performance of the new baby, saying: “Four stars isn’t a bad result. But getting five has a cost – you have to build a heavier car and add a lot more equipment. So it’s a choice. We wanted to make the new Twingo attractive, as well as competitive.” Meanwhile, Kia’s Cee’d and the Peugeot 308 were also put through their paces. Both emerged with a coveted five-star rating. For the Kor­ean firm, it was the first time one of its models had achieved a top score.

Euro NCAP secretary general Adrian Hobbs said: “I’m particularly happy to see the results for Kia. It shows that manufacturers from all parts of the world are putting safety first."