Here’s Why Made-In-India Mahindra Scorpio-N Scored Zero Stars At ANCAP

In a pivotal revelation, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has disclosed its most recent crash test ratings, delivering a significant setback to the Made-In-India Mahindra Scorpio-N, which fell short of securing any stars. The ANCAP report has dealt a blow by assigning a zero-star crash rating to units sold in Australia and New Zealand, a marked departure from the 5-star rating bestowed upon the car by Global NCAP just a year ago. The noteworthy nuance lies in the fact that the Scorpio-N presently available in the Australasian market was homologated in 2022, meeting the design guidelines of the country at that time. However, ANCAP revised its criteria earlier this year, rendering any new car lacking Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ineligible for a rating higher than zero.

An official statement from Mahindra said, “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. We are working towards meeting these unique safety regulations and requirements for Australia as part of our product mid-cycle update.”

ANCAP cited poor performance in both physical protection and active safety technology, attributing the outcomes to the "fundamental omission of safety features that have been commonplace in new cars for many years." Carla Hoorweg, the Chief Executive Officer of ANCAP, emphasised that these results are a stark reminder that not all new models offer the same level of safety.

According to ANCAP's data, the Mahindra Scorpio-N scored 44 per cent in Adult Occupant Protection, 80 per cent in Child Occupant Protection, a concerning 23 per cent in Vulnerable Road User Protection, and a disconcerting 0 per cent in Safety Assist. Notably, the Scorpio-N lacks active safety equipment, with the manufacturer indicating that features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) will be introduced in subsequent stages.

In response, Mahindra told Acko Drive, “Our dedication to delivering SUVs that are safe, authentic, and reliable is unwavering. A prime example of this commitment is the Scorpio-N, which became the first body-on-frame SUV in India to secure a 5-star safety rating under the Global NCAP's new crash test protocols, effective from July 1, 2022. This significant achievement highlights our commitment to safety and the protection it offers to Scorpio-N occupants. The Scorpio-N’s exceptional performance in these rigorous tests demonstrates its strong structural integrity and the effectiveness of its inherent safety features.”

ANCAP raised red flags during the testing, highlighting that the driver's seat belt became unlatched "during deployment of the seat belt pre-tensioner immediately before impact." Although this incident did not impact the overall score, ANCAP has initiated further examination with the manufacturer. Additionally, ANCAP criticised the absence of critical safety features such as a front-centre airbag, the complete lack of active safety technology, and the limited coverage of curtain airbags, which only extend to the first two rows of the three-row, six-seat vehicle.

The crash-tested model is a 6-seater version equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine based on the Z8L trim, representing the sole variant available in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.