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Richard Hammond

Vehicle & Alternative fuels news

Friday, April 28th, 2006

FIAT IDEA & NISSAN PATHFINDER: Euro NCAP awards four stars

In its effort to provide consumers with the most accurate and timely information concerning the safety of new cars, Euro NCAP announces its most recent test results.

The two cars most recently tested, Fiat's small MPV, the Idea, and Nissan's large off-roader, the Pathfinder, both achieved a four-star rating for adult occupant protection. However, the Idea just achieved a 4 stars score whilst the Pathfinder nearly achieved Euro NCAP's maximum of 5 stars. It is important to note that the adult occupant rating of cars should only be compared within the same size category.

The Fiat Idea has a head protecting curtain airbag, but is unusual in not being equipped as standard with an airbag to protect the body in a side impact accident. If the Idea had ISOFIX mounts for tethering child seats also fitted as standard, it would have achieved a higher rating for child protection.

Euro NCAP also noted the Fiat Idea's disappointing result in pedestrian protection.

Claes Tingvall, Euro NCAP Chairman said, "Wherever possible consumers should insist that their car is fitted with the most complete safety options available, even when manufacturers are not supplying these options as standard. Consumers should continue to remain vigilant in prioritising safety to encourage manufacturers to provide the optimum level of equipment available."

See the ratings for these cars in more detail on www.euroncap.com. Complete test results available from 28th April 2006.

Euro NCAP's commitment to consumers ensures that test results are released as soon as possible. Keep checking our website for details of forthcoming results.

For further information please contact: Cordelia Wilson, Euro NCAP's Communication Manager via e-mail cordelia_wilson@euroncap.com or on +32 4007746.

Summary of Results

Small MPV:

Fiat Idea
Occupant Protection: 4 stars
Child Protection: 2 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 1 star

Large off-roader:

Nissan Pathfinder
Occupant Protection: 4 stars
Child Protection: 3 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 2 star

Editors notes:

1. With the introduction some time ago of the Child Occupant Protection rating it is important to refer to the Adult Occupant Protection rating correctly. In the past, this has been referred to as the "Overall" or
"Occupant" rating. Neither of these is now satisfactory.

2. The front impact test is conducted at 64km/h (40mph) into an offset deformable barrier, the side impact test 50km/h (30mph), the pole test at 29km/h (18mph) and the pedestrian tests at 40km/h (25mph).

3. Comparison between Size Categories: It is essential that no attempt is made to compare the ratings between cars in different segments or mass groups. The frontal crash test aims to measure the performance of the car impacting another car of similar mass. There is no capability to determine
what would happen if cars of widely different masses impact each other. It is not primarily the mass difference that has the effect, but the effect that mass has on the structural stiffness combined with the relative height of the structures from the ground.