Mahindra, MG react to zero-star crash test

MAHINDRA and MG have each received a shock zero-star ANCAP safety rating for vehicles this week, each failing to meet expected physical and active collision avoidance minimums when tested against the latest 2023-2025 criteria.

Full details of the crash test assessment for the Mahindra Scorpio and MG 5 are available here.

In summary, the Mahindra Scorpio achieved only 44 per cent in the Adult Occupant Protection category, 80 per cent in the Child Occupant Protection category, 23 per cent in the Vulnerable Road User Protection category, and zero per cent in the Safety Assist area of the assessment.

Meanwhile, and again in percentage terms, the MG 5 scored 37 per cent in the Adult Occupant Protection category, 58 per cent in the Child Occupant Protection category, 42 per cent in the Vulnerable Road User Protection category, and 13 per cent in the Safety Assist category.

It is the worst set of results to yet come from ANCAP’s stricter assessment structure and one the safety body says serves as a “stark reminder that not all cars offer the same level of safety – even when they are brand new models”.

Following the announcement, GoAuto spoke with local agents for both Mahindra and MG Motor, who said they are surprised at the zero-star result.

A Mahinda Australia spokesperson told GoAuto the absence of autonomous emergency braking and several other technologies were known points it felt would contribute to a lower score; but believes the vehicle is otherwise ‘safe’, meeting global crash test and Australian Design Rule requirements.

“At Mahindra, we are dedicated to providing our customers with SUVs that are safe, authentic, and reliable. The Mahindra Scorpio stands as a strong testament to this commitment,” the spokesperson said.

“At its launch, the Scorpio fully adhered to the Australia Design Rules (ADRs), demonstrating our dedication to meeting rigorous standards while also excelling in robust four-wheel drive capabilities and steadfast reliability.

“Equipped with comprehensive safety features, including six airbags, ESP, ABS, a crashworthy ring structure with multiple load paths and extensive use of high-strength steel, it reaffirms our focus on the structural safety of the vehicle and the protection it offers to its occupants.

“The Scorpio’s global NCAP five-star safety rating highlights its high safety standard while demonstrating strong structural integrity and the effectiveness of its inherent safety features.”

While acknowledging the part ANCAP has to play, the spokesperson told GoAuto that had the vehicle been tested prior to the introduction of the latest assessment criteria, it is likely the vehicle may have achieved a better result, possibly as high as four stars.

“The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), updated on January 1, 2023, has specific requirements that include certain additional features,” the spokesperson said.

“We at Mahindra are committed to our promise of safety and are working towards meeting unique safety regulations and these requirements for Australia as part of our product mid-cycle update.

“We continuously strive towards safety innovations, ensuring every Mahindra customer can drive our SUVs with the utmost confidence and peace of mind.”

In speaking with MG Motor, GoAuto received a similar response, the importer saying it had ensured the vehicle would meet all Australian Design Rules, while saying future updates were likely to improve the safety of the MG 5, possibly at the next mid-cycle update.

“MG has worked closely with the Australian government to ensure that the MG 5 has met the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for vehicle design when they are first supplied to the Australian market,” the spokesperson told GoAuto.

“The MG 5 was certified and approved for sale in Australia and has met the (Australian Design) Rules to be sold. The current MG 5 is offered to the Australian market as an affordable car in the (small) sedan segment.

“We are always striving to do the right thing by our customers in terms of affordability, form, and function. Where and when possible, we will add improvements to our products for our models during their life cycle.

“In 2024, the MG 5 will receive a safety pack upgrade which will increase the overall safety of this model in line with ANCAP’s rating system,” the spokesperson added confidently.

MG Motor said that increased ADAS technology would likely come at a cost, but would help to address many of the concerns raised by ANCAP in its latest assessment round.

“These planned enhancements for the MG 5 will reiterate our commitment to customers and ensure further passenger safety with much more advanced ADAS systems, including autonomous emergency braking, speed assist systems, lane assist systems, and pedestrian protection safety systems as seen in some of our other models.”