Abarth Punto

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2011 1.4 petrol. 22 of 121 tests failed, 18%.

Better than 72% of 2011 cars. The typical one fails 22%, across 924 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
• Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
• Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements
• Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
• A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

Where it stands out against its peers

• Lights and electrics: failed more often than 98% of 2011 cars — 64% of its 22 failed tests, where an ordinary 2011 car has 33%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Suspension — 41% of its failures
  • A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
  • A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
• Brakes — 36% of its failures
  • Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• Exhaust and emissions — 18% of its failures
• Tyres and wheels — 18% of its failures
• Lights and electrics — 64% of its failures
  • Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements
  • A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Visibility — 14% of its failures
  • Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen

Specification