The most stringent tests for total protection

To verify the effectiveness of the combined protection system developed for the new model, the technicians of the Fiat Safety Centre subjected the new model to all possible high speed collision situations. They then compared the results with the structural and biomechanical parameters envisaged by some of the world's strictest legislation. The following results were obtained.


Head-on impact

Fiat Grande Punto scored extremely well in two different types of test. The first is carried out at a speed of 64 km/h against a deforming barrier to simulate a head-on impact between two cars; the second envisages a crash at 56 km/h against a fixed, rigid barrier. Thanks to the strong structural architecture and the use of high energy absorption materials, on the Grande Punto the intrusion levels of these tests are extremely limited and allow all the doors to open, without generating significant inertia stress on the occupants because it is efficiently absorbed by the Smart Airbag system. And finally, in the event of head-on impact, the items in the Grande Punto luggage compartment do not hit the passengers.


Side-on impact

Two internationally recognised tests underline the new model's ability to guarantee the safety of the front and rear passengers even in the event of a high speed side-on impact. The first is that of 'impact against a deforming barrier', which simulates a collision at 50 km/h between two cars at a 90 degree angle. Fiat Grande Punto scores extremely well, thanks to the protection given to the pelvis by the sturdy bodyshell structure, to the abdomen and chest by the combined action of the sidebags and door panels, and to the head by the curtain bags. The second test is that of 'side-on impact against a post', one of the most dangerous for any motorist.


Rear impact

From a structural viewpoint, during rear impact tests attention is focused on containing the deformation of the passenger compartment and preventing damage to the fuel tank which could provoke a fire. From a biomechanical viewpoint, efforts are concentrated on protecting the occupant, preventing the seat from collapsing and minimising any injury, particularly to the neck and head which are usually the parts under the greatest stress.


Pedestrian protection

The front of Fiat Grande Punto was designed bearing in mind the need to protect pedestrians. The lines are smooth and rounded and there are no protruding elements that could be dangerous to a pedestrian. The large surface of the bonnet minimises the risk of a pedestrian's head coming into contact with the rigid front pillars. The most unyielding components inside the engine bay are positioned at a sufficient distance from the bonnet to allow the 'skin' of the bonnet to absorb at low levels the energy generated by impact with the pedestrian's head.


Protection of children

The new model features all the devices that ensure that children travel in complete safety. The main devices that make this effective are the Isofix attachments on the rear seat and the possibility of deactivating the passenger airbag from the onboard computer.

Protection against fire

From the bodyshell to the various components, Fiat Grande Punto was designed and built to meet the latest and strictest internal Fiat standards in the field of fire safety. For example, the adoption of the Fire Prevention System which, in the event of impact above a certain intensity, immediately blocks the electric pump in cars with petrol engines, and the supply solenoid in cars with diesel engines.

previous page | go to Page9