NF500 / whiplash

The Fiat 500 seats offer only a “marginal” level of safety, according to results published by research institute Thatcham this week.

In fact, superminis in general did not come out of the latest study, focusing on whiplash protection, with much to be proud about. Only the Smart ForTwo and Renault Twingo achieved an “acceptable” rating among this category of vehicle.

You can see the detailed results of tests on the Fiat 500 seating at the Tatcham website. It has to be said they don’t make comfortable reading for those concerned about occupant safety, and may come as a surprise to many considering the five star Euro NCAP rating the Fiat 500 has been awarded for overall safety.