Offset frontal crashes can place severe demands on the structure of vehicles. Offset crash tests conducted in the USA, Europe and Australia are revealing that some vehicle models perform exceptionally well in these severe tests. Between them, the authors have been involved in the assessment of more than 45 offset crash tests conducted under the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). They have also evaluated data on a similar number of offset crash tests conducted in the USA and Europe.

This paper sets out some general observations about the structural performance of cars, passenger vans and four-wheel-drive vehicles in offset crash tests. The design features which appear to contribute to good structural performance are discussed. Likely reasons for poor performance are noted.