The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) has updated its crash-testing protocol, effective August 2025. The new protocol introduces a stricter mandate for ESC fitment, which will remain effective through 2029. The recently crash-tested Maruti Victoris was the first made-in-India car to be rated under the new Global NCAP protocol.

1. Without standard ESC, a vehicle automatically gets a 1-star rating
2. Maruti Victoris recently secured 5 stars under the updated protocol

Now, ESC must be fitted as standard across all variants of the tested model, without which a car will automatically be assigned a 1-star rating. Moreover, side-impact head protection must be a standard fitment across all variants of the vehicle. Without side-head protection systems, the pole side impact test will not be allowed, and a vehicle can only score a maximum of 2 stars.

Also, all variants of a vehicle must be compliant with pedestrian protection norms as per UN R127 or GTR9 standards for more than a 2-star rating. These latest updates build on GNCAP’s testing protocols that were last updated in July 2022.