In 1999, Korean government, Korean government established the Korean New car Assessment Program after 3 years research works. KNCAP test protocol and evaluation methods are similar to USA NCAP. At the beginning year, small numbers of new domestic vehicle were introduced in the market, the KNCAP committee decided selection of test vehicle by same category of cars. The test results directly affected both consumers and manufacturers due to the same class vehicle comparisons. First year only 3 compact size vehicles were tested. But year-by-year the test volume was increased. Up to now total 24 vehicles tested.

During the programs, it has been noticed that the significant improvements of occupant safety performances and adoptions of advanced safety devices such as a driver’s seat airbag systems, pretensioned seat belts and load-limiters in belts. As the KNCAP tests, driver’s seat injury values improved up to 32% in the compact and sub-mid size class cars. Passenger ‘s seat occupant was improved 7.3% in terms of combined head and chest injury probabilities.

This paper reviews the performances of these crash tested by KNCAP protocol. Currently, KNCAP evaluates the new cars only a full frontal barrier test and braking test. However, this year European side impact test with 55kph impact speed. In the near future, KNCAP will be expanded to offset barrier test, pedestrian test and child restraint system test.