C-NCAP smashes more cars, also raises the rules for 2012

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C-NCAP, the Chinese crash testing authority, recently set up another round of car smashing and let us know the results. Although the C-NCAP is tested at a slightly slower speed than the Euro NCAP the rest of the test is quite comprehensive. However due to the ever increasing number of cars gaining a 5 star status, C-NCAP are raising the rules for 2012 onwards. More on this later.

In the latest round 3 Chinese cars (including the Everus) and 2 joint venture made cars were put through the ringer and all achieved notable results. The MG3 and New Polo both received 5 stars, which goes to show that SAIC are capable of building a safe vehicle, Guangzhou-Honda’s S1 which sits under the Everus sub brand received 4 stars although this is essentially the old Honda City with a badge change so its 4 star rating cannot be commended as being anything special. Kia’s K5 was awarded 5 stars, but the big surprise was Hawtai’s own B11 sedan that achieved 4 stars, which is not a bad effort for an SUV maker that only recently branched out into making sedans.

Changes will be made to the current C-NCAP rules to make the test more stringent and improve safety across the board of domestic and international car makers in China. C-NCAP will be introducing some special tests such as the 40% rear off set crash test to see how vehicles protect rear passengers and will also raise the test speeds used in the tests and also award extra points for equipment such as ESC (Electronic Stablizing Control) being installed on the vehicle. The new rules will be implemented as of July 1st 2012 which should give manufacturers plenty of time to adjust and build to the new regulations.