The World’s NCAPs and How They Differ
Modern vehicle safety is underpinned by rigorous testing and consumer information programs known as New Car Assessment Programs (NCAPs). These organizations crash-test vehicles and evaluate safety attributes, delivering ratings—usually from one to five stars—to inform buyers and drive car manufacturers toward higher standards. However, each NCAP differs in protocol, tested regions, required features, and emphasis, leading to sometimes contrasting results for the same vehicle across different programs. Here, we explore the world’s major NCAPs and highlight their key differences.
What is an NCAP?
An NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) serves as an independent platform for assessing vehicle safety through standardized crash tests and other evaluations. Each NCAP sets its own safety criteria, which typically cover categories such as adult occupant protection, child occupancy, pedestrian safety, and active safety technologies. Based on performance, vehicles are assigned a star rating out of five, accompanied by detailed safety scores. These programs are pivotal in raising consumer awareness and influencing automaker design priorities worldwide.
Major NCAPs Around the World
1. Australian NCAP (ANCAP)
- Founded: 1992
- Region: Australia, New Zealand
- Distinction: ANCAP is closely aligned with Global NCAP but places a greater emphasis on active safety features, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)—tests not always mandatory in other NCAPs .
- Partners: Works with 21 entities, including government agencies.
2. ASEAN NCAP
- Founded: 2011 (Headquartered in Malaysia)
- Region: Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia)
- Unique Protocol: Requires 70% compliance with safety assist technologies for a full 5-star rating, a stricter standard than Global NCAP, where vehicles lacking such systems can still achieve top ratings .
3. China NCAP (C-NCAP)
- Founded: 2006
- Region: China
- Managed by: China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC)
- Focus: Tailors its test protocols to the unique conditions and vehicles of the Chinese market .
4. Euro NCAP
- Founded: 1997
- Region: Europe (e.g., Germany, France, Austria, Belgium)
- Notable for: Some of the world’s toughest protocols, including mandatory safety assist features and unique crash tests such as the “Front Mobile Progressive Barrier” and “Front Full Width Rigid Barrier”—not found in Global NCAP .
- Collaboration: Partners with consumer organizations and governments across Europe.
5. Global NCAP
- Founded: 2011
- Scope: Oversees safety assessments globally, especially in developing markets
- Evolvement: Updated its protocols to require features like electronic stability programs (ESP) and seatbelt reminders for a full 5-star rating. Includes side pole impact and pedestrian safety tests .
- Transition: Will cease India-specific tests as Bharat NCAP launches, but will offer technical support .
6. Japan NCAP (JNCAP)
- Founded: 1995
- Region: Japan
- Administered by: MLIT and NASVA
- Protocol: Rates vehicles on collision safety, vehicle safety, and preventive safety performance. Mandates features like automated emergency call systems .
7. Korean NCAP
- Founded: 1999
- Region: South Korea
- Standard: Tests vehicles sold within South Korea .
8. Latin NCAP
- Founded: 2010
- Region: Latin America and Caribbean (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, etc.)
- Focus: Evaluates adult, child, and pedestrian protection as well as safety assistance, but with less stringent criteria than Euro NCAP .
9. US NCAP
- Founded: 1978 (oldest)
- Region: United States
- Direction: Managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Unique Tests: Includes rollover evaluation—a distinction among global NCAPs, with ratings based on frontal/side impact and crash avoidance features .
10. Bharat NCAP
- Launch: October 2023
- Region: India
- Details: Recently implemented, modeled on international NCAPs, with adaptations for Indian market needs .
Key Differences Between NCAPs
1. Testing Protocols
- While crash tests (frontal, side impact) form the core, the types and severities of these differ. For example, Euro NCAP features unique barrier tests not found in Global NCAP, and US NCAP alone evaluates rollover risk .
2. Feature Requirements
- Some NCAPs (Euro NCAP, ANCAP) mandate active safety technologies (like ADAS and automated emergency calling), while older protocols may not .
3. Rating Pre-Conditions
- ASEAN NCAP requires 70% compliance in safety assist for 5 stars; Global NCAP’s earlier versions did not, but its latest protocols are becoming stricter .
4. Regional Relevance
- Each NCAP tailors its protocol to local crash scenarios, driver behavior, and prevalent vehicle types.
- Bharat NCAP, for example, will reflect Indian road realities, pedestrian risks, and popular vehicle classes .
5. Real-world Data Integration
- Programs like ANCAP and the Vehicle Safety Risk Ratings (VSRR) in Australasia integrate real-crash data, especially where formal testing isn’t feasible (e.g., rare or new models). VSRR uses broad class averages and Monash University data to supplement controlled assessments .
6. Scope of Ratings
- Ratings can emphasize occupant safety (driver, front, rear seats), pedestrian safety, or even external road user risks (e.g., cyclists, other vehicles) depending on the NCAP .
Why Differences Matter
Identical models may receive different star ratings in different countries—not due to inconsistency, but due to varying test conditions, safety priorities, and local regulation. As safety technologies evolve, so do NCAP requirements, typically pushing automakers to standardize critical lifesaving systems globally but with localized nuances .
Confused? Yep so are we!
There are a total of 10 main NCAPs that actively shape consumer expectations and automaker responsibilities worldwide. Understanding their differences helps buyers navigate the complexities of global car safety and highlights how international collaboration and local adaptation together elevate automotive standards . Whether in Europe, Asia, the Americas, or Oceania, these NCAPs continue to advance the global road safety agenda—each in its own way.
In NZ, rightcar.govt.nz is a good place to start
