The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) gives car buyers independent information on protection levels provided by new vehicles in serious crashes.
Each vehicle tested is assigned a star rating based on its performance during testing, up to a maximum of 5 stars. The more stars a vehicle scores, the better it is at protecting an occupant or pedestrian during a collision.
ANCAP uses 4 internationally recognised crash tests to assist in determining the score a vehicle receives. These are:
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This test simulates a frontal collision with another vehicle. 40% of the car on the driver’s side makes contact with a crushable aluminium barrier at 64kph. There are 2 adult dummies in the front seat, and an 18 month and 3 year old dummy in child restraints in the back seat.
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This test simulates a side on crash, similar to an intersection crash. A 950kg crushable trolley is run into the side of the test vehicle at 50km/h. There is a special side impact dummy in the front driver’s seat, and an 18 month and 3 year old dummy in child restraints in the back seat.
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| Pedestrian impact tests estimate head and leg injuries to pedestrians struck by the test vehicle travelling at 40km/h. |
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This test simulates a car colliding with a fixed object such as a tree or pole. The vehicle is propelled sideways at 29km/h into a rigid pole. The narrow pole provides maximum penetration into the car. A special side impact crash test dummy is in the driver's seat.
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| The frontal impact and side impact dummies record data from each crash, providing an idea of likely injuries that could be sustained in a crash by an occupant of pedestrian. The body parts are fitted with equipment that measures the forces each part would be subjected to in a crash. For example, accelerometers in the head provide data on the forces the brain is subjected to in a crash. And the neck contains devices to measure stresses as the head is thrown around during a crash. |
The tests are undertaken by independent laboratories. The data from the crash test dummies is gathered and assessed using internationally recognised protocols. Scores are determined for the separate tests. ANCAP awards bonus points for other safety features such as seat belt reminders. The score is translated into a star rating of between 1 and 5.
For more information please visit the ANCAP website.
