When shopping for a new car, NCAP ratings are something you might want to look into. These ratings are used to determine how safe a car is. Almost every new model of mass-produced car is NCAP tested and the scores are published publicly online. This post provides more information on these ratings and why they matter.
What is NCAP?
NCAP stands for New Car Assessment Programme. It’s an independent organization that rigorously tests vehicles for safety, originating in the US in the 1970s, but since developing a number of global branches like Euro NCAP in Europe.
These programs simulate real-world crashes (including frontal impacts, side collisions and pedestrian strikes) to evaluate how well a car protects occupants and other road users. Active safety systems are also considered to determine how well a car prevents accidents altogether.
Each car receives an overall rating out of 5 stars, along with sub-ratings for adult occupant protection, child safety, vulnerable road users (like cyclists) and safety assist features (e.g. automated emergency braking). The higher the star rating, the safer the vehicle.
Why do NCAP ratings matter?
Road accidents continue to claim millions of lives annually. While adopting safe driving techniques can lower your risk of being involved in a fatal crash, other road users are always a threat. Choosing a safe vehicle can reduce the risk of anyone getting seriously hurt if an accident does occur, and NCAP ratings can point you towards these safe vehicles.
While overall scores can provide a good snapshot as to how safe a vehicle is, sub-ratings for child protection may be particularly reassuring for families. While many cars are advertised as family vehicles, a car’s child protection rating can give you a true idea of just how ‘family-friendly’ it is.
NCAP ratings also have an impact on manufacturers. Poor ratings can result in poor sales, pushing manufacturers to keep up with the latest safety tech. Industry standards have also been improved as a result of NCAP – back in the 90s, cars like the Rover 100 notoriously received dismal ratings, which ended up prompting regulations for better airbags and seatbelts, forcing the Rover 100 to be discontinued.
Are NCAP ratings updated for older cars?
NCAP ratings are typically not updated to reflect the latest, most stringent testing standards – a car that got a 5 star rating 15 years ago may be unlikely to receive a 5 star rating today.
That said, NCAP ratings usually remain valid for 6 years. As a result, the likes of a CUPRA Born used (which got a Euro NCAP score of 5 stars in 2021) is still a highly safe option if you bought it today. It’s just older cars that you need to be more wary of.
Prioritize safety in your next ride
When buying a car, always check the latest scores on official NCAP websites to give you an idea of just how safe a car is. A good NCAP rating could be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
