The Australasia New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is the leading independent organization informing the public about the results of benchmarking different car models based on their safety and security features. As an independent body, ANCAP is supported by the Australian and New Zealand government, the FIA Foundation, NRMA Insurance, the Victoria Transport Accident Commission and the automobile clubs of both countries.
Car evaluation process
ANCAP purchases select car models from the Australian market and performs test procedures. To ensure the reliability of the procedures, manufacturers can inspect the cars and the testing process, and view the results afterward.
During testing, different car models are subjected to an accident simulation, concentrating on two areas frequently impacted during a collision. The frontal displacement and side impact tests used a strategically placed crushable obstruction to determine the amount of force to the front or side during an accident or collision.
To assess the level of protection for passengers, high-tech crash dummies are used to measure the impact of the collision on the driver and passengers. The result provides a picture of the possible extent of passenger injuries during a real car accident.
Well-performing cars can undergo a pole test, which can earn an additional 2-point safety rating. This test is optional for 4WD vehicles with head protection airbags and can be requested and uploaded to the car manufacturer.
ANCAP rating
The car’s safety features are evaluated and rated with stars by ANCAP. Based on the evaluation, ANCAP rates individual car models from 1 to 5. One of the key points in the evaluation process is to look for intelligent safety systems and other protective measures incorporated as standard features in the vehicle.
The intelligent safety system can include features such as passenger and driver airbags, side impact airbags, crash sensitivity sensor, seatbelt lock detection sensor, anti-lock braking system, brake assist , traction control, intelligent assistance and other vehicle safety components.
ANCAP-rated cars are rated based on the results of crash tests, pedestrian crash tests, and the intelligent safety system installed in the vehicle. A maximum of 16 points can be obtained after passing the impact tests. 3 additional points are awarded to cars equipped with seat belt sensors.
As of 2008, the program requires cars to have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a prerequisite for a 5-star rating. In total, a car can receive a maximum of 37 points, according to the criteria established by ANCAP. Before 2002, ANCAP adapted a maximum rate of 34 and did not include seatbelt reminders as an evaluation criterion.