Mahindra Scorpio-N Receives Zero Stars in Australasian Ncap Crash Test: Here’s Why

Mahindra’s Scorpio-N has received unfavorable ratings in adult occupant protection and road user protection, resulting in a zero-star score. The lack of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features led to a zero rating in Safety Assist. However, the SUV secured a commendable 80 percent score for child occupant protection. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) recently disclosed these crash test results for the Mahindra Scorpio-N, which was launched in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year. Interestingly, the SUV had previously earned a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test in December 2022. It’s crucial to note that ANCAP presently requires ADAS technology in vehicles, unlike Global NCAP.

The Australasian Crash Test Safety Rating Agency evaluates vehicles across four main categories: Adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road user, and active safety systems. Ratings in each category are determined by the total percentage score, with a minimum of 40 percent required for a one-star rating in adult and child occupant protection. Each successive 10 percent increment in a category leads to an increase in the star rating, with a score of 80 percent and above resulting in a full five-star rating.

In the assessment of other road user and safety systems, a one-star rating is assigned for a 30 percent score, while a complete five-star rating is granted for a score of 70 percent or higher. The overall star rating is constrained by the score in the lowest category. Consequently, if a vehicle attains a 5-star rating in all but one category, the overall star rating is restricted to the stars given in the lowest-scoring category. This particular regulation adversely affected the overall score of the Scorpio-N.

In the assessment of adult occupant protection, the Scorpio-N received a modest one-star rating, achieving a 44 percent score. The results from the frontal off-set impact revealed satisfactory to good levels of protection for critical areas of both the driver and front passenger, maintaining stability in the passenger cell. However, the agency pointed out a “high risk” to occupants of the oncoming vehicle, resulting in a penalty for the SUV.

The results of the full-width frontal impact were discouraging, indicating weak protection for the driver’s chest and inadequate protection for the head, neck, and chest of rear seat occupants. In the side impact test, good protection was observed for all critical areas of the crash test dummy; however, it was noted that the seatbelt was unlatched upon impact, raising the risk of potential injuries. The oblique pole impact test demonstrated only marginal protection for the occupant’s chest area. Furthermore, the front seats exhibited poor protection against whiplash injuries, and the rear seat protection was rated as marginal.

In terms of child occupant protection, the Scorpio-N achieved an impressive 80 percent score, earning it a full five stars. The frontal off-set and side impact tests indicated varying levels of protection, ranging from marginal to good, for the 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies. However, the agency highlighted an issue where the ISOFIX restraints couldn’t be correctly installed on the rear seats due to interference from seat trimmings. As a result, the use of child seats was only recommended for the outer seats in the center row.

The Scorpio-N exhibited inadequate protection for other vulnerable road users, resulting in a zero-star rating with a mere 23 percent score. According to ANCAP, the bonnet’s protective capabilities ranged from marginal to adequate across most of its surface but declined to weak or poor near the front and the base of the windscreen. The A-pillars also provided poor protection. Additionally, protection for a pedestrian’s pelvis, femur, and lower legs was rated as poor. The absence of autonomous emergency braking in the vehicle contributed to a deduction of points in this category.

The Scorpio-N garnered zero stars for Safety Assist as it lacked any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions. Consequently, the Scorpio-N received an overall score of zero stars.

In response to the ANCAP crash test results, Mahindra issued a statement, saying, “The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has specific requirements, which were updated on January 1, 2023, that include the mandate for certain safety features. We at Mahindra are committed to our promise of safety and are working towards meeting these unique safety regulations and requirements for Australia as part of our product mid-cycle update.”