Fiat Tipo’s Active Safety Overlooked, Says Thatcham

The recent Euro NCAP test results for the Fiat Tipo highlight an important issue: not all new cars come with a full range of safety features as standard. The Fiat Tipo, for example, only earns a three-star rating due to its lack of collision avoidance technology. Adding the optional safety pack, which includes features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), improves its rating to four stars.

According to Thatcham Research, the goal should be for all new car models to achieve a five-star rating with built-in safety features. They argue that while car safety overall has improved, new vehicles often don’t include advanced safety systems as standard, which must change.

“Consumers shouldn’t have to choose when it comes to safety,” says Thatcham Research CEO Peter Shaw. “The problem is that when these systems aren’t standard, people rarely opt to add them. Our data shows that only about 2.5% go for optional safety packs. That’s why car manufacturers need to make AEB standard in all new cars.”

The Euro NCAP results show the Fiat Tipo scores only three stars in its standard form, with just a 25% rating in the safety assist category. The optional safety pack, including City and Inter-Urban AEB, increases its rating to four stars.

In comparison, other family cars, like the Renault Scenic, come with AEB as standard, securing a five-star rating. “Manufacturers should aim for a five-star Euro NCAP rating for all new models, which means scoring well in every category, especially safety assist,” says Thatcham Research’s Director of Research, Matthew Avery. “The ratings help consumers see which cars meet safety expectations and which fall short. It’s disappointing that, unlike competitors such as the Astra, Megane, and Golf, Fiat hasn’t reached this benchmark.”