GNCAP Updates Crash Testing Protocol: ESC Now Essential for Safety Ratings

New Protocol Implementation by GNCAP

The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) has revised its crash testing guidelines, which will take effect from August 2025. This updated protocol mandates stricter requirements for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) installation, a rule that will be in place until 2029. The Maruti Victoris has become the first Indian-manufactured vehicle to be evaluated under this new global NCAP standard.

Vehicles lacking a standard ESC will automatically receive a 1-star safety rating. The latest model tested under these new guidelines, the Suzuki Victors, achieved an impressive 5-star safety rating.

Previously, ESC was necessary for a vehicle to earn a rating of 3 stars or more. The installation of ESC in vehicles followed a two-step approach, either being standard in the most popular variant or available in an equivalent number of other variants.

GNCAP also mandated that manufacturers must make ESC standard across all variants within two years of the test results being published. During this timeframe, ESC must also be available as a standalone option, rather than just as part of a package.

Under the new rules, ESC must be standard across all variants of the tested model. Without it, a vehicle will automatically receive a 1-star rating. Furthermore, side-impact head protection must also be standard across all variants. If a vehicle lacks these head protection systems, it will not be permitted to undergo the pole side impact test, limiting its maximum score to 2 stars.

Additionally, all variants of a vehicle must meet pedestrian protection standards as outlined by UNR 127 or GTR 9 to qualify for a rating above 2 stars. These recent changes enhance GNCAP’s testing protocols, which were last revised in July 2022.