In the EuroNCAP tests the new Panda, which debuted at September's Frankfurt IAA Motor Show, scored 30 points (82 percent) for in the adult occupancy test, 31 points (63 percent) for the child occupancy test, 18 points (49 percent) in the Pedestrian impact test and 3 points (43 percent) for safety assist. The model tested was the 1.2 Easy LHD.

However it was in not having ESC fitted as a standard feature that sunk the Panda's challenge to grab the all-important 5-stars, and EuroNCAP was critical in its assessment of this feature, sharply contrasting its omission as standard with its rival, VW's new UP! "The Fiat Panda lost a star as it is not fitted with ESC as standard, despite the technology becoming mandatory in 2012," wrote EuroNCAP in its summary. "By contrast, VW ensured very high standard availability of ESC on the up!, securing a five star rating for that car and its cousins, the Seat Mii and the Skoda Citigo."

EuroNCAP Fiat Panda Test Summary

Adult occupant

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger but the steering column and ignition barrel were thought to present a risk to drivers of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side impact tests, the car was tested without the optional thorax airbag which did not meet Euro NCAP's fitment requirements. Dummy readings of rib compression in the side barrier test showed that protection of the chest was marginal and that of other body regions was good. In the more severe side pole test, chest protection was weak. The seat and head restraint provided marginal protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant

In the frontal impact, the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward facing restraint, did not move forward excessively. However, on rebound, the head of the dummy glanced against the rear window and the score was penalised. In the side impact, the 18 month dummy was properly contained but the head of the 3 year dummy was slightly outside the side wing of the restraint. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. The system did not meet Euro NCAP's requirements but clear warnings are provided in the vehicle of the dangers of using a rearward facing restraint in that seat without first disabling the airbag.

Pedestrian

The bumper provided good protection to pedestrians' legs and scored maximum points. However, the front edge of the bonnet was predominantly poor. In those areas likely to be struck by the head of a child, the bonnet provided good protection in some test areas but was mostly poor or marginal. In the areas likely to be struck by an adult's head, the car offered predominantly poor protection.

Safety assist

Electronic stability control is available as an option on the Panda but did not meet Euro NCAP's 2011 fitment requirements so was not assessed. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver, passenger and rear seats. A speed limitation device is not offered on the Panda.

ItaliaspeedTV: EuroNCAP Crash Test - Fiat Panda