NCAP Ratings Explained
What are NCAP Ratings? A Guide To Your Safety On The Road
What are NCAP Ratings?
At FamilyCarDeals.co.uk we know that safety is a top priority for families when choosing a car. That's why we keep a close eye on NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) ratings.
These independent ratings give you a clear picture of a car's crashworthiness and safety features, helping you understand how well it protects everyone inside in case of an accident. With NCAP ratings, you can make an informed decision and ensure your family's safety on the road. In this guide, we'll break down NCAP ratings, explaining what they mean and why they are essential for your family's safety.
How are NCAP Ratings Determined?
NCAP ratings are based on a series of rigorous crash tests and evaluations across four different areas:
- Adult Occupant Protection
- Child Occupant Protection
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection
- Safety Assist (Technology to increase safety of a vehicle)
The testing includes:
- Frontal Impact Test
- Simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles at a speed of 64 km/h (40 mph).
- Assesses the protection offered to the driver and front passenger.
- Side Impact Test
- Involves a car being struck on the side by a moving barrier at 50 km/h (31 mph).
- Evaluates the safety of occupants seated on the impacted side.
- Pole Impact Test
- Simulates a car crashing sideways into a rigid pole at 29 km/h (18 mph).
- Focuses on the protection offered to the driver's head.
- Pedestrian Protection Test
- Measures the potential injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision with the vehicle.
- Includes tests on the front bumper, hood, and windshield area.
- Safety Assist Technologies
- Evaluates the presence and effectiveness of advanced safety features such as:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Speed Assistance Systems
What Do the Star Ratings Mean?
NCAP ratings are typically presented in a star rating format, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest rating. Here’s a breakdown of what each star rating signifies:
0 Stars: Meeting standards and can legally be sold but doesn't have critical modern safety technology.
1 Star: Basic level of safety, meeting minimum legal requirements.
2 Stars: Provides marginal crash protection but lacks advanced safety technologies.
3 Stars: Offers average crash protection and includes some safety assist features.
4 Stars: Good overall performance in crash protection and robust safety assist features.
5 Stars: Excellent crash protection and comprehensive advanced safety technologies.
Importance of NCAP Ratings for Families
When selecting a family car, NCAP ratings are invaluable as they offer insights into the vehicle's ability to protect you and your loved ones in various crash scenarios. Here are some reasons why NCAP ratings matter:
Enhanced Protection: Higher-rated cars are designed to offer better protection in crashes, reducing the risk of severe injuries.
Advanced Safety Features: Vehicles with high NCAP ratings often come equipped with the latest safety technology.
Informed Decision-Making: Understanding NCAP ratings allows you to compare the safety performance of different cars, helping you choose the safest option for your family.
Click here to see the deals we have on the safest cars based on their NCAP scores, or contact us to chat to our experts and learn more.
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