Global NCAP - Old Vs New: Here’s What Has Changed

Under the older version of the Global NCAP crash protocol, vehicles are assessed on the basis of a single frontal crash test. This crash test is called Offset Deformable Barrier (ODB) test and it involves crashing the vehicle into a deformable barrier with a 40 per cent overlap at a speed of 64km/h.

The crash test is assessed using the two test dummies placed inside the car - One for assessing the adult occupant protection and another child-sized dummy for evaluating the child protection. Moreover, 16 points is the maximum score for adult occupant protection, whereas 49 points was the maximum score for child occupant protection.

Analysing the old Global NCAP crash test protocols, it is clear that this crash test only accounts for the passive safety systems and bypasses all active safety features present in a modern car. So, the old Global NCAP crash test fails to assess the effectiveness of advanced safety features in a car.

In comparison, the new crash test protocols under the Global NCAP safety test have become more stringent as it now involves side impact crash test and valuation of other modern safety features.

In addition to this, the new protocols award a maximum of 34 points for adult occupant protection This includes 16 points for the front crash test, 16 points for the side crash test, and a maximum of 2 points for seat belt reminder (0.5 points for having one seatbelt reminder). Also, to qualify for a 5-Star rating, the car must get at least 1 point for the seatbelt reminder test.

Also, under the new crash test protocol, a vehicle must have some kind of head protection system in order to undergo the pole side impact test. As such, the upcoming 6-airbag mandate by the government could be a boost to vehicles undergoing this test.

It is also worth mentioning that in order to secure a 5-Star safety rating, the vehicle must have electronic stability control (ESC) in the best-selling variant or in all other variants put together. Moreover, the new protocols also require pedestrian protection system to be part of standard fitment according to UN127 or GTR9 with a certified validation.

Thoughts About Old Global NCAP Crash Test & New Global NCAP Crash Test

Analysing both old and new crash test protocols, it is easy to conclude that the new Global NCAP crash test protocols are not only more stringent in evaluation, but also involves the assessment of many life-saving advanced safety features. As such, cars with a 5-Star safety rating under the new crash test protocols are substantially safer than cars with 5-Star safety under the old crash test protocols.