What Makes a Car ANCAP Rated?

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is the foremost independent organisation that informs the public on the results of comparative evaluation of different car models based on their safety and protection features. As an independent body, ANCAP is endorsed by the government of Australia and New Zealand, the FIA Foundation, NRMA Insurance, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, and the motoring clubs of both countries.
Car Assessment Process

ANCAP procures select car models in the Australian market and conducts testing procedures. To ensure the reliability of the procedures, manufacturers are allowed to inspect the cars and the test process, and view the results after.
During the tests, different car models are subjected to an accident simulation, concentrating on two areas frequently impacted during a collision. The frontal offset and side impact tests utilise a crushable obstruction strategically placed to determine the amount of force in the front or side during an accident or collision.
To evaluate the level of passenger protection, high-tech crash dummies are used to gauge the collision impact on the driver and passengers. The outcome provides a picture of the possible extent of passenger injury during an actual car accident.
Well performing cars may be subjected to a pole test, which can earn an added safety rating of 2 points. This test is optional for 4WDs with head protection airbags, and may be requested by and charged to the car manufacturer.
ANCAP Rating

Car safety features are assessed and star rated by ANCAP. Based on the evaluation, ANCAP rates individual car models from 1 to 5. One of the key points in the assessment process is to look for intelligent safety systems and other protective measures incorporated as standard features into the vehicle.
The intelligent safety system may include features such as passenger and driver airbags, side impact airbags, crash sensitivity sensor, seatbelt latch detection sensor, anti lock braking system, brake assist, traction control, intelligent assist, and other vehicle safety components.
ANCAP rated cars are scored based on the results of the impact tests, pedestrian impact tests, and intelligent safety system installed in the vehicle. A maximum of 16 points may be earned after passing the impact tests. An additional 3 points is given to cars equipped with seat belt sensors.
Starting in 2008, the program requires cars to have an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a prerequisite to a 5 star rating. In total, a car may receive a maximum of 37 points, based on the criteria set by ANCAP. Prior to 2002, ANCAP adapted a ceiling rate of 34 and did not include seat belt reminders as a criterion for assessment.