Overview
- Assessments shift to four Stages of Safety—Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection, Post‑Crash—each scored out of 100 with minimum thresholds that determine star ratings.
- Driver assistance will be tested on public roads for usefulness, smoothness and intuitiveness, with updated scenarios that better reflect urban risks including cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Human–machine interface scrutiny grows as cars are expected to provide physical buttons or a fixed display area for essential controls to reduce distraction.
- Post‑crash requirements add EV‑specific measures such as powered exterior door handles that function after impacts, high‑voltage battery isolation, and eCall systems that report occupant count.
- ANCAP’s aligned 2026–2028 protocols start 1 January 2026, add explicit penalties—such as a red critical region capping ratings at four stars and a 50% score cut for seat collapse—and both programs commit to three‑year protocol updates.