ANCAP crash test scores for Honda CR-V, ZR-V & Civic in limbo

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) said it is working with Honda to undertake additional physical and virtual evaluations of local versions of the CR-V, ZR-V and Civic before it can release its own results.

These results would be based on existing Euro NCAP testing conducted between 2022 and 2024, which saw a five-star score applied to some versions of the CR-V last week under the latest 2023-25 criteria and a five-star score for the Civic in 2022 under the less stringent 2020-22 criteria.

Some versions of the CR-V sold in Europe also received a four-star safety rating due to a safety assistance score below the 70 per cent requirement for a five-star result.

Euro NCAP notes four-star CR-V variants – not fitted with an optional 'Honda Sensing 360' safety package – lack corner radars that “significantly enhanced AEB [autonomous emergency braking] performance” for vehicle and pedestrian detection.

The lack of this enhanced AEB detection could limit the CR-V's potential to receive a five-star safety rating in Australia.

These Euro NCAP scores only apply to hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the CR-V, ZR-V and Civic, as petrol-only models are not offered in Europe – except for the Civic Type R hot hatch.

“For ANCAP to… publish safety ratings relevant to AUS/NZ-specified models, we must ensure – through an evaluation of additional test results, crash simulations, technical drawings, data etc. – that the safety specification and safety performance of the vehicles tested by Euro NCAP are applicable to locally-supplied vehicles,” said an ANCAP spokesperson.

A Honda Australia spokesperson said safety was a top priority for the brand.

«We are working closely with ANCAP and are currently awaiting the most up to date information in relation to the recent testing of CR-V, Honda ZR-V and Civic.

»As soon as we have any further information in relation to this testing, we will share this with you."

The only Honda vehicle sold in Australia with a current ANCAP rating is the HR-V, which scored four stars in 2022.