New pedestrain-impact regulations from 1 October are part of the reason that small cars are getting bigger.
The regulations require increased length of around 10cm to the fronts of cars, to increase the crash-absorbtion distance to the 'hard' points like engine block and radiator.
The new Fiat Punto, due for European launch in September, will be the longest small car ever, at 4030mm, and its nearest competitor -- the next Renault Clio -- is just 44mm shorter.
Fiat will also continue to sell a spartan version of the current generation Punto for at least a year in tandem with the new model, at a projected price of €2,000 less in key European markets. Brian Byrne.
