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US ‘Small Overlap’ Crash Test Not Likely for Australia

A new American crash-testing process, known as the 'small overlap' test, has revealed weaknesses in top safety-scoring models such as the Volkswagen CC and Mercedes C-Class. Developed by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the


A new American crash-testing process, known as the 'small overlap' test, has revealed weaknesses in top safety-scoring models such as the Volkswagen CC and Mercedes C-Class.

Developed by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 'small overlap' test is unique to North America, but could eventually work its way into local testing criteria.

In a statement today, Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh said that the organisation is monitoring safety-testing developments in other markets.

“ANCAP continues to see new models entering the Australasian market that do not perform well in current ANCAP crash tests, so it is important to continue with these," Mr McIntosh said.

“However, more demanding tests like the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test would complement the suite of ANCAP tests and discourage manufacturers from tuning the design of vehicles to a particular crash test."

Existing ANCAP tests include side and pole impacts, pedestrian collisions and whiplash tests. Roof crush testing will be added to the programme from 2014.

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