ANCAP crash tests are conducted to well-established protocols and use driver and front passenger anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) that represent 50 percentile (%ile) adult males. Most modern vehicles do well in these crash tests. However, concerns have been raised about the protection provided to smaller occupants.

In 2013 ANCAP conducted a 64km/h frontal offset crash test of a Holden Commodore VF Ute (single-cab pick-up) with two Hybrid III 50%ile male ATDs (AM50). In 2014 the opportunity arose to conduct a further research crash test of a Commodore VF Ute using a small adult female driver ATD (5%ile adult female) and a 6 year old child ATD (Hybrid III 6) in a booster seat in the front passenger seating position.

The purpose of the research test was to determine whether the two occupants had an increased risk of injury, compared with the adult male ATDs.

The occupant injury measures for the smaller occupants were compared to the results of the previous vehicle crash test (with 50%ile adult male front occupants) in order to make comparisons between the level of protection offered to occupants of different sizes for this type of crash. Furthermore, the authors examined whether the restraint and airbag systems that perform well for 50%ile adult male occupants provide comparable protection for smaller occupants and whether there are any additional hazards for smaller occupants.

The outcome of the research was that for the case examined, with the available methods for assessing injury risk, smaller occupants appear to be offered comparative protection in a frontal offset impact for this particular vehicle model. It is apparent that the test vehicle manufacturer included consideration of smaller occupants in the design and development of this vehicle model.