WHAT IS NCAP ?

Understanding NCAP in Malaysia: ASEAN NCAP and Its Role in Vehicle Safety

Car safety is a critical aspect of automotive design, and for Malaysian car buyers, safety has become a top priority. Thanks to the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP), Malaysians can now access transparent and reliable information on vehicle safety standards.

What is ASEAN NCAP?

The ASEAN NCAP is a regional program designed to evaluate and improve the safety of vehicles sold in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. It was established in 2011 as a collaborative effort between the Global NCAP initiative and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). The program aims to reduce road fatalities and injuries by encouraging car manufacturers to prioritize safety.

How Does ASEAN NCAP Work?

ASEAN NCAP evaluates vehicles using the following criteria:

1. Crash Tests:

   • Frontal Impact Test: Simulates a head-on collision by crashing the vehicle at 64 km/h into a deformable barrier.
   • Side Impact Test: Assesses passenger protection during side collisions, a common accident type in urban areas.

2. Safety Features Evaluation:

   • Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): Measures how well the car protects adults in the front seats during a crash.
   • Child Occupant Protection (COP): Focuses on child seat safety and anchoring systems like ISOFIX.
   • Safety Assist Technologies (SAT): Evaluates advanced safety features, including:
     • Seatbelt reminders
     • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
     • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
     • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

3. Star Rating System:

• Cars are rated on a 0-5 star scale, with 5 stars representing the highest level of safety.
• The ratings are split into categories: AOP, COP, and SAT.

Why ASEAN NCAP Matters for Malaysian Consumers

1. Informed Buying Decisions:

   • ASEAN NCAP provides Malaysian car buyers with trustworthy data on a car's safety performance. Shoppers can compare models based on safety ratings before making a purchase.

2. Encourages Safer Vehicles:

   • By setting safety benchmarks, ASEAN NCAP motivates manufacturers like Proton, Perodua, Toyota, and Honda to design safer vehicles for the market.

3. Adapted to Local Needs:

• Unlike global programs, ASEAN NCAP focuses on safety concerns specific to Southeast Asia, such as high pedestrian risks and regional traffic patterns.

Top-Rated Cars in Malaysia by ASEAN NCAP

1. Proton X50:

   • 5-star safety rating.
   • Features: AEB, ESC, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

2. Perodua Ativa:

   • 5-star safety rating.
   • Includes Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system.

3. Toyota Corolla Cross:

   • 5-star safety rating.
   • Equipped with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beams.

4. Honda City:

• 5-star safety rating.
• Known for its strong body structure and advanced airbag systems.

The Impact of ASEAN NCAP in Malaysia

Since its inception, ASEAN NCAP has significantly influenced vehicle safety in Malaysia. For example:

• The introduction of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became a requirement for all new cars sold in Malaysia starting in 2018.
• Many entry-level cars now include advanced safety features like autonomous braking and lane departure warnings as standard, reflecting ASEAN NCAP’s impact.

How to Check ASEAN NCAP Ratings

Malaysian car buyers can easily access ASEAN NCAP ratings by visiting the official ASEAN NCAP website. The platform provides detailed crash test reports and safety evaluations for various car models.