In Japan NCAP’s latest annual safety testing, Subaru Levorg outperformed the 10 vehicles rated with 5 stars and an overall rating above 98%. At the heart of Subaru Levorg’s active safety system is the new generation EyeSight hardware, a variant of Veoneer’s 4^th generation stereo vision system, re-engineered to meet Subaru’s original specification. The new generation EyeSight has two cameras mounted on a wide-baseline design doubling the field-of-view.

In JNCAP’s tests, the stereo vision system achieved an astonishing 100% performance in the following Active Safety Tests:

• AEB in Car-to-Car Rear End Scenarios
• AEB in Car-to Pedestrian Scenarios at Day and at Night
• Lane Departure Prevention
• Pedal Misapplication Prevention
• High Performance Headlights

Subaru Levorg also has Veoneer’s front corner radars installed for more advanced features like forward crossing traffic brake (FCTB).

In JNCAP 2020, the Five Star Award is given to vehicles equipped with automatic accident emergency call system which have received the ‘A rank’ evaluation for both collision safety performance and preventive safety performance. The Levorg has received the “A rank” in the respective safety performance categories and with its Advanced Automatic Collision Notification system available under Subaru Starlink connected services, it has been awarded the JNCAP Five Star Award 2020, Among all the Five Star awarded vehicles, the Levorg has earned the highest overall evaluation points (186.91 out of 190 points) and it has received the JNCAP Best Award 2020.

Pursuing the goal of “delivering happiness to all,” Subaru will continue to enhance safety through its primary, driving, passive, preventive, and newly-added connected safety technologies under its “all-around safety” principle, which underpins enjoyment and peace of mind for all drivers and passengers. Through these efforts, we aim to achieve zero fatal road accidents^*1 by 2030.

The rule will not change existing occupant protection requirements for traditional vehicles with manual driver controls.  
 
NHTSA’s final rule is one of a series of regulatory actions that NHTSA has taken to further modernize vehicle standards for new technologies.  

The new Honda City for 2020 had an outstanding result under the current 2017-2020 assessment. The sedan obtained an overall score of 86.54 points which it was awarded with 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating. For each assessed category from this accumulated score, the City received 44.83 points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, 22.82 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP) and 18.89 points for Safety Assist Technologies (SATs).

The new sedan has a standard fitment of four airbags, Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both of its frontal occupants and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) across all its variants. An Emergency Stop Signal technology is also available in the current City variant that is launched and sold in the Thailand market either as standard or optional fitment. Nevertheless, all the safety assist technologies that are assessed by ASEAN NCAP will be available either as standard or as an option in all the variants that will be launched soon in several countries across South East Asia. In addition, the City will be offering a Blind Spot Visualization (BSV) technology in variants that are available in certain South East Asia countries. The BSV is available as an optional equipment fitted on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The models tested are: the Suzuki Maruti Ertiga, Suzuki Maruti WagonR, Hyundai Santro and the Datsun Redigo.

Global NCAP chose the entry-level version of each model and as a result only the Ertiga was fitted with at least two airbags as standard while the other models offered only a driver airbag. The results highlight significant differences in adult occupant protection in cars that meet the latest Indian government vehicle technical regulations.

Suzuki Maruti Ertiga
The Ertiga achieved three stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection. The Ertiga offers two frontal airbags as standard. Its structure was rated as a borderline unstable performance which can and should be improved. Its footwell area was rated as unstable and pedals displacement showed risks to the lower legs of the driver. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for passenger was good and driver chest received marginal protection. The passenger pretensioner failed to work properly. Child occupant protection showed poor results for the 18 month old dummy with the CRS installed forward facing while global best practice indicates a rearward facing position offers better protection for this age group. The Ertiga offers standard ISOFIX anchorages. Overall, the Ertiga achieved three stars for child occupant protection. The Ertiga offers standard two Seat Belt Reminders (SBR) in the front seats. It is surprising that this car is not offering 3 point belts for all occupants.

Suzuki Maruti WagonR
The WagonR achieved two stars for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The WagonR offers only a driver frontal airbag as standard. Its structure was rated as unstable. Its footwell area was rated as unstable and pedal displacement showed some risk to the lower legs of the driver. Head protection for adult occupants was good. Neck protection for driver was good and adequate for passenger. Chest protection was weak for both front passengers leading to limitations in the SBR points achieved by this model. Child occupant protection showed poor results mainly for the 3 year old dummy as its Child Restraint System (CRS) broke during the impact and the head impacted the front seat. Chest protection for the 18month old dummy was low despite being installed rearward facing.

The WagonR offers standard two SBR in the front seats but its points were not considered for the final rating as the front passenger chest received weak protection. It is surprising that this car is not offering 3 point belts for all occupants.

Hyundai Santro
The Santro achieved two stars for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The Santro offers only a driver frontal airbag as standard. Its structure was rated as unstable. Its footwell area was rated as unstable. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection was weak for the driver and marginal for the passenger leading to a limitation of the SBR points achieved by this model for the driver. Child occupant protection showed poor results mainly because the manufacturers did not recommend a CRS for the test. The dynamic performance was poor as the head of the 3 year old showed contact during the impact. There was limited protection for the 3 year old neck while the 18 month old received acceptable protection. The Santro offers standard driver SBR but its points were not considered for the final rating as the chest of the driver received weak protection. It is surprising that this car is not offering 3 points belts for all occupants.

Datsun RediGO
The RediGo achieved just one star for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The RediGo offers only a driver frontal airbag as standard. Its structure was rated as unstable. Its footwell area was rated as unstable. Head protection for driver was adequate due to steering wheel displacements. Head protection for passenger was good. Driver and passenger neck protection was good. Chest protection was poor for the driver and marginal for the passenger. The poor protection of the driver chest means that there is a high probability of life threatening injuries. Poor protection for any of the critical body regions, in this case the chest, limits the star rating to one star for the adults. The RediGo does not offer SBR in the front seats and, even if it had, the result would remain a single star. SBR points are limited as the chest is brown or red. Child occupant protection showed poor results mainly because of the contact of the head of the 18 month old with the front seat and for the exposed head of the 3 year old dummy during the impact. The static rear 3 point belts created difficulties in the proper and safe installation of a CRS. It is surprising that this car is not offering 3 point belts with automatic retractors for all occupants.

Global NCAP awards a separate child safety rating to each car in order to highlight the different levels of protection vehicles provide to passengers on the rear seats. Global NCAP tests a combination of the car and that Child seat recommended by the car manufacturer. Because the only safe way for young children to travel is properly restrained in a child seat, the assessment checks how compatible the car is with the child seats recommended by the manufacturer, as well as the protection provided in the crash test. The three tested vehicles offer ISOFIX as standard which is a desirable improvement however the different tests showed poor performances of the CRS in terms of child occupant protection. Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts, passengers must always wear seatbelts.

None of the models offered three-point seatbelt for all passengers. Lap belts in the middle position makes it impossible to properly and safely install a CRS and offers a much lower protection than a three point belts for adults.

Available on the 2019 QX50 is ProPILOT Assist, which is designed to help with single-lane highway driving and primarily leverages two technologies: Lane Keep Assist, which helps to center the QX50 in the lane; and Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control that monitors speed and distance to the vehicle to automatically adjust the speed and adapt to a full speed range in traffic.

Additional available technologies include:

• Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection looks for potential frontal collisions with pedestrians ahead or the vehicle in front of you. It can help brake in an emergency to help avoid a frontal collision.
• Lane Departure Warning and Prevention lets the driver focus on the road by providing warnings, and potentially intervention, should the vehicle start to drift out of your lane.
• Distance Control Assist keeps an eye on what is in front and helps to maintain distances set

The 2019 Jetta joins the Atlas, Golf family (except e-Golf), and Passat as 2019 Volkswagen models that have an overall 5-Star Rating. The remaining 2019 models in the lineup have not been rated by NHTSA.

Available driver-assistance features on the Jetta include:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)
• Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Active Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist)
• High Beam Control (Light Assist)

“The Peugeot 3008 performed well in testing with high scores achieved in the side impact and whiplash tests,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Goodwin.

Injury risk was low for the driver and passenger in the full width frontal test yet the protection offered to the driver’s chest in the frontal offset test was marginal.

“As a standard offering across the range, all variants are fitted with an intelligent speed assistance system which uses a camera to identify signposted speed limits and allow the driver to set the speed limiter appropriately.”

“A lane departure warning system is also standard, while some variants are available with a more advanced function which provides active lane keep assistance,” he said.

“The functions available in this and other new models entering our market are part of a wave of semi-autonomous vehicle technologies which will work to improve road safety and form the basis for more highly autonomous vehicles in coming years,” said Mr Goodwin.

This 5 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel and 1.6 litre petrol variants available in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: ANCAP

Euro NCAP’s key conclusions from these tests include:

• No car on the market today offers full automation or autonomy.
• Cars on the market today can provide driver assistance but this should not be confused with automated driving.  The driver remains fully responsible for safe driving.
• Used correctly, this technology can help the driver to maintain a safe distance, speed and to stay within the lane.
• These systems should not be used in situations they are not designed for and should not be relied upon as an alternative to safe and controlled driving.
• Different manufacturers have implemented different approaches to the application of driver assistance technologies in terms of the level of assistance given to the driver.
• Euro NCAP’s tests assess and highlight these differences and the varying degree of driver support each manufacturer provides.

The Tests

To give consumers a realistic insight into the capabilities of current Driver Assistance Systems on the market, Euro NCAP has developed a series of tests to assess their performance in critical traffic scenarios simulated on a test track.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a system that automatically adjusts a car’s cruising speed in response to a slower-moving vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe distance.  ACC operates independently of and in addition to other driver assistance systems, already assessed by Euro NCAP, such as AEB and lane assistance which continue to function in the background.

The ACC element of Highway Assist is tested in an extended version of Euro NCAP’s AEB test, with approach speeds that match those typically seen on European motorways.  These systems are designed to adapt the speed when approaching a slower moving vehicle or one that is braking and, in general, they perform very well in such tests.  However, not all systems perform equally well in tests where the vehicle is approaching a vehicle which has stopped.

The most challenging tests for these driver assist systems are the ‘cut-in’ and ‘cut-out’ scenarios.  In the cut-in test, a car from the adjacent lane merges into the lane just in front of the test car.  This is something that happens in everyday traffic and an alert driver will typically anticipate the manoeuvre early and reduce speed accordingly.  For the cut-out scenario, a car in front leaves the lane abruptly to avoid a stopped vehicle ahead, leaving the system only a short time to identify and respond to the situation.

A second set of tests has been developed to evaluate the Lane Centering function that continuously supports the driver to keep the car in the middle of the lane.  The amount of steering support provided by each system is determined in a so-called S-bend test at various speeds.  Another test measures the amount of steering effort needed by the driver to swerve around a small obstacle on the road such as a pot hole.  A good driver support system will continue to support the driver during the manoeuvre and will not resist the driver or deactivate.

All automated driving tests are performed on a test track with well-marked lanes and, for the cut-in and cut-out tests, make use of a robot-controlled ‘dummy’ vehicle for safe testing.

Speed assist is another function that will be required if cars are to become self-driving.  Current systems range from the very simple, in which the driver sets the speed to which the car should be limited, to the sophisticated.  Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) uses digital map data and/or visual data from a camera to identify the ‘local’ speed limit and, at the driver’s discretion, can limit the speed accordingly.  Speed Assist Systems are currently included in Euro NCAP’s regular vehicle assessments and no further tests have been done here.  Only some of the cars tested were equipped with iACC.

Besides testing the system’s main functions, Euro NCAP also verifies the information provided by the manufacturer in media, commercials or in the user’s manual to check that no false or exaggerated claims are being made, and that the information on the system and its limitations is sufficiently clear and complete.

The Results

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Both the DS and BMW offered a low level of assistance, with the driver being primarily in control.
The Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes, Toyota, Nissan, Volvo offered a balance between driver and system assistance.
The Tesla risks an over reliance on the assistance system with the vehicle being primarily in control.

Steering:

In the S-bend test, a range of different driver assistance levels was encountered but the Tesla system created the potential for over reliance.
In the small obstacle ‘pot hole’ scenario, all the cars tested allowed the driver to cooperatively steer and manage the situation apart from the Tesla.  The Tesla system does not allow the driver to deviate from the lane centering path and will disengage when a driver inputs steering torque.  Again, this risks over reliance on the system by the driver.

Cut in and Cut Out:

Cut-in and cut-out scenarios are the most challenging of Euro NCAP’s tests and all of the cars were found to be seriously lacking.  None of the systems were able to help and crashes could only be avoided if an alert driver braked or steered away from trouble.
These challenging scenarios highlight how important it is that the driver remains attentive and does not over rely on the system.

User manual and marketing information:

User manuals generally state clearly what the system limitations are and where they should be used.  None of the systems restrict use by geofencing.
Generally, official marketing content is clear in what the role of the driver is, but in the case of BMW a promotional video for the 5 series is misleading as the driver takes their hands off the wheel where it is assumed that the vehicle can drive autonomously.
Tesla uses a number of promotional videos which also suggest vehicle autonomy.  This creates a mismatch between more accurate information included in the user manual and more misleading information in marketing materials.

For a full set of results and individual model data sheets visit the
Euro NCAP Safety Campaign webpage on 2018 Automated Driving Tests.

The latest market analysis by independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, has revealed a ten-fold increase in the standard fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in just over two years. View the report here.

ANCAP has been tracking the availability status and market penetration of AEB across the Australian light vehicle market since December 2015 when just 3 per cent of new vehicles sold offered the autonomous braking feature as standard. Today, that figure has increased to 31 per cent.

“To see one-third of all popular selling models now offer this driver assistance technology as standard, we’ve moved some way closer to achieving a reduction in crash incidence and severity – but there is still a long way to go,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin.

“This year we have adopted significant changes to our rating system to encourage the standard offering of AEB across the market, and we’re confident this will see a further acceleration in AEB availability,” Mr Goodwin said.

Of the top 100 selling vehicles available at March 2018, 37 models representing 31 per cent of the market offered AEB as standard. 35 models, representing 29 per cent of the market did not offer AEB in any form.

AEB availability by jurisdiction was also analysed with the ACT and Victoria holding the greatest market share of vehicles with AEB standard (34 per cent). Tasmania held the smallest standard share at 24 per cent. Market share by remaining jurisdictions stood at 27 per cent for WA and Queensland, 28 per cent for NT, 31 per cent for SA and 33 per cent for NSW.

Source:  ANCAP

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Swift equipped with Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) has earned maximum rank of Five Stars in Collision Safety Performance Assessment from the FY2017 Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) in Japan.
Plus, the Swift equipped with DSBS and all-direction monitor has attained top Advanced Safety Vehicle++ (ASV++) rating in Preventive Safety Performance Assessment.

JNCAP is an institution in which the Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victims’ Aid (NASVA) assess and disclose a result of a vehicle’s safety performance.
The Collision Safety Performance Assessment assesses a vehicle’s overall collision safety performance in five ranks based on assessment scores in three categories: Occupant Protection Performance Assessment; Pedestrian Protection Performance Assessment; and Seatbelt Reminder Assessment.
As for the Preventive Safety Performance Assessment, it assesses a vehicle’s overall performance of preventive safety system in three ranks based on assessment scores in four categories: the frontal Autonomous Emergency Braking System for vehicle; the frontal Autonomous Emergency Braking System for pedestrian; the Lane Departure Warning System; and the system that provides the driver with information captured by rear-facing cameras.

The Swift has enhanced safety performance upon collision by adopting light and rigid new-generation platform HEARTECT and Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) body structure. Plus, with the adoption of Suzuki Safety Support preventive safety technology including DSBS, it takes safety measures in both active and passive safety. The Swift qualifies for Sapo Car S Wide* of the Safety Support Car (Sapo Car)*, which is promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for its expansion.

Source: Suzuki

The Federal Government has marked National Road Safety Week by announcing the continuation of funding for the critical work of independent vehicle safety consumer organisation ANCAP for another five years, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack says.

The Government’s $6.64 million commitment to fund ANCAP for another five years will assist ANCAP to continue the role it plays in testing and assessing new cars, providing information for consumers about vehicle safety and general advocacy about safety on Australia’s roads.

Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said vehicle safety standards are an important part of moving towards fewer road deaths in Australia.

ANCAP Chief Executive James Goodwin noted the important role safer vehicles play in reducing road trauma. This renewed commitment sees Federal support of the ANCAP program continue until at least 2023.

The Australian Government joined as a member of ANCAP in 2010 and is one of 23 member organisations including the Australian and New Zealand automobile clubs, all State and Territory Governments and the New Zealand Government.

Source: ANCAP

The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) organized their first Blind Spot Technology Development Test on cars that are currently available in the our market. The main objective of the test is to improve our capacity and capability in performing such test. Furthermore, the development test is based on ASEAN NCAP 2017-2020 protocol in which the technology is included under the Safety Assist domain in our aspiration to reduce motorcyclist fatalities in the ASEAN region.

According to Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), motorcyclist fatality in Malaysia recorded the highest in 2017 among category of road users with 4,348 deaths. The number comprises 64.5% from the total number of recorded deaths at 6,740. This is followed by car driver/occupant at 18.8%, pedestrian with 6.5%, lorry at 3%, cyclist 2.4% deaths, others at 1.8%, 4WD at about 1.7%, van 0.9% and bus driver/passenger at 0.3%. At the ASEAN level, Word Health Organization (WHO) reported that motorcyclist or 2 and 3 wheelers comprised 34% of the total road traffic fatality in Southeast Asia in 2015. This percentage is significantly high compared to car driver/occupant and light vehicles with 16%, pedestrian at 13%, cyclist 3% and others at 34% deaths.

As the number of motorcyclist fatalities in the ASEAN region, in general and specifically in Malaysia remains significantly high, ASEAN NCAP has included Blind Spot Technology (BST) in their current assessment protocol as part of the requirement in obtaining points for ASEAN NCAP star rating. The BST aims at eliminating collision with other vehicles, especially motorcycles, coming from either the side or rear of the car when they are in the blind spot zone of the car. By having BST, the detection will be able to warn the driver that a motorcycle is approaching. Thus, this will help to deter a collision from occurring or minimize the injury sustain by the motorcyclist, if in the event the motorcyclist was not visible when the car was about to perform lane changing action or making a turn.

In today’s development test, ASEAN NCAP is testing 10 car models, which are sold in the ASEAN market, fitted with various types of BSTs. Each car will be tested against 10 target motorcycles that are popular in terms of sales in the ASEAN region. Two types of assessment will be performed that are test during daytime and another one at night. During the day, all 10 car models will be run against all 10 target motorcycles, while at night only five car models will be tested against the same 10 motorcycle models.

ASEAN NCAP expects that this development test will be able to assess how efficient different types of BSTs fitted inside different car models particularly during lane changing action. In addition, the tests performed during daytime and night-time will assess the effectiveness of BSTs in detecting the visibility of the motorcycles in order to ensure their safety in no lighting condition.

ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General, Ir. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said:

“The BST development test marks ASEAN NCAP’s plans in performing actual assessment to test the effectiveness of BST in detecting motorcyclists riding in blind spot zone. This accord with ASEAN NCAP’s objective to reduce motorcyclist fatalities especially during lane changing action. The test is performed based on the requirement as stipulated in the ISO 17387. This test will also prepare us for our future roadmap for 2021-2030 that will place priority in motorcycle safety by having a special domain for it in the future assessment.

“On behalf of ASEAN NCAP, I would like to thank all car manufacturers comprising Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Volvo, Mercedes and Hyundai, who have given their full cooperation to make this event a success. Thank you also to Motorcycle & Scooter Assemblers And Distributors Association of Malaysia (MASAAM) together with two motorcycle manufacturers, Boon Siew Honda and Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd., who have been assisting us throughout the organization process. This is the first collaborative programme organized between car occupant manufacturers and motorcycle manufacturers with ASEAN NCAP. We are keen to have more collaboration between these two parties in the near future for the betterment of road safety.”

Source: ASEAN NCAP

In the future, the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) will carry out ADAS tests with the miniaturised but fullfledged GNSS/inertial system ADMA-Slim and the ultra-flat soft crash target for vehicles made by Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD). With ADMASlim the BASt is now focusing on the established ADMA technology forcentimeter accuracy in positional data acquisition. The small, light and powerful GNSS/ inertial system is compatible with all established Global Vehicle Targets (GVTs), and therefore also with the Guided Soft Target (GST) from ABD.

The combination of the powerful measurement system and the extremely flat low-profile chassis enables extremely precise implementation of complex test scenarios. This means that the BASt is optimally set up for the new Euro NCAP 2018 test protocols.

ADMA-Slim has been specially developed for applications with space or weight restrictions, for example to enable these to be integrated in overrunnable platforms for GVTs (Global Vehicle Targets) or VRUs (Vulnerable Road Users such as pedestrians or cyclists). “The new GNSS/inertial system is smaller and lighter than its previous model, even at the same level of functionality” said test engineer Adrian Hellmann (expert in the department Active Vehicle Safety and Driver Assistance) from BASt happily. “We were convinced by the simple and flexible handling of the compact, but powerful measurement system”, said Mr Hellmann.

The fullfledged GNSS/inertial system is based on MEMS gyros and acceleration sensors in addition to a powerful GNSS receiver. This means that ADMA-Slim delivers exceptionally precise, smoothed and consistent signals even during poor GNSS reception. A choice of using either GPS, GLONASS, Beidou or Galileo means that satellite reception is considerably improved even on obstructed test routes. A further advantage: ADMA-Slim Is compatible with all the previous ADMA-G products and can therefore also be combined with the DELTA calculation.

ADMA-Slim is compatible with all common GVTs, including the GST (Guided Soft Target) from ABD. The soft crash target is remote controlled. In order to ensure that the GST follows a precisely-defined route without deviation, exceptionally-precise positioning data from a GNSS-supported inertial system such as the ADMA-Slim are indispensable. “The advantage for our customers is that they will be focusing on two established systems which they already know, and which harmonise together extremely well, using this combination of powerful measurement system and ultra-flat soft crash targets. Its simple handling with all the well-known features can be used as before”, is how Klaus Weimert, Sales Manager for ABD Deutschland, sums up the system.

The new miniaturised GNSS/inertial system is available in three different versions: a standard version with seven Lemo connectors or a singleconnector version with a MIL connector. Both versions are enclosed in a waterproof housing. The third version is the OEM version without housing and can be integrated directly into an existing system. ADMA-Slim fulfils the requirements of the international Euro NCAP and NHTSA test standards and can therefore be used worldwide for vehicle dynamic measurements and ADAS tests such as AEB and Car-to-Car.

Source: GeneSys

Competition in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment has been heightened with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class the first utility to enter the Australasian market with autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Three other new models also enter with standard-fit AEB including the Volkswagen Polo, Jaguar E-PACE and BMW X2.

Autonomous emergency braking is fitted as standard on all X-Class variants, helping it achieve a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The AEB system fitted to the X-Class performed well – detecting and either avoiding or mitigating crashes with other vehicles at low and high speeds. Its AEB system is also capable of detecting and preventing crashes with pedestrians.

All variants of the Volkswagen Polo, Jaguar E-PACE and BMW X2 have achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

“The Volkswagen Polo scored a high 96% for Adult Occupant Protection with maximum points scored for the driver in the full width frontal, side impact and oblique pole tests.”

“The Jaguar E-PACE scored well across all assessment areas and features a ‘pop-up’ bonnet and external airbag to improve head protection for struck pedestrians. Lower leg protection for the driver in the frontal offset crash scenario could however be improved,” Mr Goodwin said.

“BMW’s new small SUV, the X2 also provides a safe choice for adult and child occupants and pedestrians with the standard inclusion of an active bonnet, automatic emergency call function and fatigue detection system.”

Source: ANCAP

The new Nissan LEAF has received a five-star safety rating, from the Japan New Car Assessment Program.

In earning the top grade, the zero-emission LEAF with ProPILOT autonomous technology scored 94.8 points out of a possible 100 for occupant safety in a collision. The program is organized by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid.

An icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the new Nissan LEAF comes with a host of advanced safety features. The 100% electric car went on sale in Japan in October 2017 and will be introduced in more than 60 markets around the world.

The all-new version comes with a number of advanced technologies including ProPILOT technology for autonomous single-lane driving on highways and the ProPILOT Park autonomous parking system. It also features e-Pedal, which lets drivers accelerate and brake by operating only the accelerator pedal.

Source: Nissan

The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) announced two new results for the Mitsubishi brand. The tested models were Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi XPANDER, respectively the fifth and sixth Mitsubishi’s models that underwent ASEAN NCAP assessment.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the third SUV model assessed by ASEAN NCAP. The test was done in collaboration with Australasian NCAP (ANCAP) by using the ANCAP protocol. Nevertheless, ASEAN NCAP had used and verified the Q-dummy in-house data for Child Occupant Protection (COP) category. The model performed extremely well in the test by achieving 5-Star rating with an overall score of 91.05 points. Based on the overall score, the Eclipse Cross obtained 48.81 points over 50.00 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 22.11 points over 25.00 for COP and 20.14 points over 25.00 for Safety Assist Technologies (SATs) category. Although the 5-seater SUV is only offered in Brunei and Singapore, it is fitted with standard seven airbags across variants. The model has a standard fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both frontal occupants in addition to rear SBR offered in Singapore. Furthermore, the variants in Singapore are also equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for City, Inter-Urban and Vulnerable Road Users technologies together with Forward Collision Warning.

The Mitsubishi XPANDER is the first Mitsubishi’s MPV model tested by ASEAN NCAP. The model fared adequately in the test by obtaining an overall score of 71.66 points, in which ASEAN NCAP awarded it with 4-Star rating. For the AOP category, the XPANDER scored 39.08 points, 18.69 points for COP and 13.89 points for SATs categories. The seven seats MPV has a standard fitment of dual airbags and frontal SBRs for both driver and front passengers standard across all variants. As part of Mitsubishi’s commitment to safety, the new Mitsubishi XPANDER is fitted with a Safety Assist Technology feature called Emergency Stop Signal offered either standard or optional in the countries where it is made available. Both Eclipse Cross and XPANDER are fitted with ISOFIX and top tether as standard.

Source: ASEAN NCAP

ANCAP, released its first safety rating for the year, awarding 5 stars to the Holden Commodore. The first imported Commodore model arrives onto the Australasian market with high safety scores.

“The vehicle scored well, achieving solid results across all areas of assessment,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin.

“Australian families and fleet buyers have long regarded the Commodore as a trusted local choice and the shift to overseas supply has further enhanced the model’s safety credentials,” he said.

“This next generation Commodore includes safety assist technologies not seen in its locally-produced predecessor, with standard-fit features such as autonomous emergency braking and active lane-keep assist.”

“This year we see a fresh approach to vehicle safety assessment and the presentation of results,” Mr Goodwin said.

The ZB Holden Commodore achieved the following scores across the four key areas of assessment:

93% – Adult Occupant Protection

85% – Child Occupant Protection

78% – Pedestrian Protection

77% – Safety Assist

The Commodore shares its structure with that of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia supplied to Europe, with locally-supplied variants offering comparable safety performance.

A 5 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all Commodore liftback, sportwagon and tourer variants available across Australia and New Zealand.

Source: ANCAP

Mr. Anders Karrberg, the Vice President of Government Affairs of VCC (Volvo Car Corporation) led a delegation and visited CATARC. Mr. Karrberg signed the CATARC-Volvo strategic collaboration agreement and the VCC delegation had technical communication with the technical people from various departments of CATARC.

In recent years, CATARC and VCC have been maintaining close strategic collaboration partnership. On the meeting, both sides reviewed a series of achievements of communication and cooperation in the areas as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) technology, autonomous driving, and active and passive safety technologies and so on, introduced each other’s latest development about capability buildup, technology innovation, business growth etc. and then signed the collaboration agreement on carrying out the ADAS standard research.

After the meeting, the technicians from both sides had discussion on the topics including China standardization reform, C-NCAP technology, China Cycle, EV-TEST, cyber security, autonomous driving legislation etc. Such communication further expanded the existing collaboration areas, deepened the understanding about each other and laid a solid foundation for the in-depth exchange of certain issues and the implementation of projects in the future.

Source: CATARC

Faced with a competitive market-place and rapidly-changing consumer preferences, more and more manufacturers are choosing to extend the lifetimes of their models, often introducing only minor facelifts along the way to boost sales. To allow consumer to make a fair comparison to new models, Euro NCAP has updated the ratings on several of recently facelifted cars. Apart from the Toyota Yaris, that could keep its five-star rating, most of these cars have dropped to three stars in this year’s safety tests. The list includes the Toyota Aygo (four stars with optional safety equipment), the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Ford’s C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, the Opel Karl and the DS 3. The most extreme example, however, is the Fiat Punto, which has been on sale since 2005 but is still a strong seller in Italy. The aging supermini is outclassed by every car tested in recent history and becomes Euro NCAP’s first car ever to be awarded zero stars.

Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, “We have seen a lot of good cars in 2017, able to meet Euro NCAP’s 5-star requirements. Superminis like the new Polo, the Fiesta and the Ibiza now come with advanced safety technology as standard, offering the best in crash avoidance and crash protection. The fact that older cars cannot compete illustrates the pace at which the vehicle industry is innovating safety and the willingness and ability of competitive manufacturers to meet the highest standards. Those who do not keep their cars up to the latest standards get left behind, as these results clearly show.”

Euro NCAP’s rating scheme requires cars to score a minimum number of points in all four areas of assessment to qualify for even one star. In areas like adult and child occupant safety and pedestrian protection, the Punto still performs well enough to qualify for at least two stars. It is let down in driver assistance and crash avoidance, with only a seatbelt reminder system for the driver as standard, no points were scored in this part of the assessment.

Michiel van Ratingen, “This is perhaps the strongest example of a manufacturer continuing to sell a product that is well past its best-before date, at the expense of the unsuspecting car buyer. We would urge consumers to check our website for the latest ratings and to choose cars with the most up-to-date five-star ratings, many examples of which we have seen in 2017.”

Source: Euro NCAP

The tested model of Nissan Qashqai was introduced in Australia and New Zealand in July 2014. This updated ANCAP safety rating applies to all variants built from September 2017 and on sale from December 2017.

Dual frontal, side chest and side head-protecting airbags (curtains) are standard. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is standard (City & Interurban). Lane support systems (LSS) are available on some variants.

The full technical report can be found here.

Source: ANCAP