Electronic Stability Control

All cars pass Thatcham’s new dynamic ESC test

All the new cars tested to date have passed this demanding ESC dynamic test. This shows that for these cars which are sold as having ESC systems fitted, they also have the functionality to operate and maintain control of the car in this severe manoeuvre.

ESC buttons

The Subaru Impreza had the ESC button located on the dashboard in close proximity to the driver’s knee. The Subaru button is set to turn ESC off completely when it is pressed, so as in other installations of this type there is a risk that the driver could knock the button accidentally and be unaware that ESC was turned off if they did not notice the symbol on the dashboard. When pressed and held it turns traction control off, but keeps the ESC on – and this is the opposite of most other systems tested. On most other systems, one press of the ESC button would only turn off the traction control (not ESC), and the driver would have to deliberately press and hold the ESC button to turn off the ESC system, so could not do so accidentally.

Driving modes















The Alfa Romeo MiTo has a system called DNA, meaning Dynamic, Normal and All Weather driving modes. This system adjusts the steering, throttle response and ESC system (known as Vehicle Dynamic Control VDC by Alfa Romeo). In Dynamic Mode the MiTo actually failed the ESC test, so drivers must be aware of how these systems operate to ensure they are protected by ESC at all times.

2009 ESC Fitment Ratings


In the UK there is still very slow progress with increasing standard fitment of ESC, a life saving technology. Thatcham began to produce fitment ratings for ESC in 2006, and then found that only 40% of UK models were being sold with ESC fitted as standard. This has now gradually increased to 63%, and that has taken four years.