Comparing ASEAN NCAP Ratings between Editions of the Same Models

Abstract

From a total of 20 car models crash-tested by ASEAN NCAP, seven models from four makes have undergone ASEAN NCAP assessment twice, whereas two car models from two domestic powerhouses had undergone the assessment thrice. This study shall evaluate the improvements to the newer editions which supposedly led to better safety ratings. The focus is on the passive safety systems comprising airbags, seatbelt, and child seats. ASEAN NCAP star rating is mainly based on the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Children Occupant Protection (COP) for passive safety as well as some elements in active safety. The ratings and points earned for the AOP and COP were compared between previous and newer editions of the same car models. An analysis was conducted as to whether or not the different editions used the same protocol. There is a difference between the inaugural and the latest protocols to assess both the AOP and COP. Cars using different protocols were analysed in terms of the chest deflection value, in which the value from the latest protocol shall be calculated using the previous protocol to obtain AOP scores and making the comparison. Overall, the new batch of car models was rated to be safer and mostly the newer edition of the car models obtained better COP scores compared to their predecessors.