Australia NCAP mulling underwater escape tests from 2023 onwards

Yep, you read that right: underwater escape tests for cars will soon be a thing. CariCarz.com has learnt that the Australia NCAP (ANCAP) independent crash-testing body is seeking to include such tests into its vehicle crash-testing regime starting from 2023.

Already renowned for its difficulty, ANCAP ratings will soon become much harder to achieve when this new testing element is included. Much of its inclusion stems from the subcontinent’s proneness to severe flooding caused by the La Nina climate pattern – i.e. this recent occurrence earlier this month.

The rationale behind this rather extreme test is to allow occupants the ability to exit the vehicle when such as emergency occurs.

This new testing regime will reportedly prompt carmakers to provide evidence demonstrating that the vehicle’s doors can be opened without battery power and the electric windows can still operate, even after being fully submerged in water for up to 10 minutes.

If carmakers are unable to prove that the side windows still work underwater, they must then provide alternative methods that allow occupants to open or break the side window. Adding to that, ANCAP also stresses that such information must be stated in the owner’s manual too.

Regarding this, ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg reportedly said: “While it is important never to deliberately enter flood waters in your vehicle, recent flooding events have again reminded us that flooding can unexpectedly take a vehicle and its occupants.”

As per its existing testing parameters, ANCAP will award carmakers with points within its Adult Occupant Protection assessment area for vehicles equipped with submergence countermeasures. Notably, this new vehicle submergence criteria will also extend ANCAP’s existing rescue protocols that assesses a vehicle’s post-crash accessibility.

Beyond Australia, we’re certain such a testing regime makes perfect sense in other flood-prone markets like ours. What do you folks reckon? Should MIROS consider including this sort of testing for cars on sale in Malaysia? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…