When choosing a family vehicle, safety isn’t just a feature—it’s everything. Mahindra, the Indian automotive brand, is steadfast in its commitment to achieving the maximum five-star safety rating for all its future models in the Australian market. This ambitious goal represents more than just meeting standards; it’s about protecting the people who matter most to you.
Understanding Mahindra’s Safety Journey
Mahindra has trailblazed its way to achieving the highest safety standards on Indian roads, but the Australian market presents unique challenges. While their vehicles have performed exceptionally well in Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP testing, ANCAP’s stringent requirements tell a different story.
The reality is complex. The Mahindra Scorpio-N scored five stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection under Global NCAP testing, yet when tested by ANCAP, the same vehicle received zero stars. This stark difference highlights the varying standards between safety assessment programs.
Why ANCAP Standards Matter
ANCAP targets test scores with aim of five-star result for all future models, and there’s good reason for this focus. ANCAP’s updated 2023 protocols demand not just crash protection, but comprehensive active safety systems that prevent accidents before they happen.
For Australian families, this means vehicles equipped with:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front centre airbags
Current Challenges and Market Reality
The ANCAP Gap
ANCAP revised its criteria earlier this year, rendering any new car lacking ADAS ineligible for a rating higher than zero. This explains why well-built vehicles like the Scorpio, despite having six airbags, ESP, ABS, a crashworthy ring structure with multiple load paths and extensive use of high-strength steel, still received zero stars.
The challenge isn’t about structural integrity—it’s about meeting evolving safety expectations that prioritize accident prevention alongside crash protection.
The Price of Safety
Arolkar conceded the 3XO faced a price rise to achieve ANCAP five stars, acknowledging that advanced safety features come with costs. However, Mahindra recognizes that Australian consumers expect these features as standard, not optional extras.
Mahindra’s Five-Star Safety Strategy
Timeline and Commitment
Mahindra’s senior executives emphasize their commitment to designing future models with a strong focus on safety. The company has paused some launches to ensure compliance with upcoming 2026 ANCAP protocols rather than rushing vehicles to market.
The new 2025 Mahindra Pik-Up won’t come to Australia with anything less than five-star safety when it arrives Down Under by mid-2026, demonstrates this commitment in action.
Real-World Safety Focus
Mahindra says its imminent new XUV 3XO small SUV will meet all of the crash requirements to keep its occupants safe in the real world. The company conducted crash tests at their Chennai facility, showcasing structural integrity that exceeds many competitor vehicles.
The XUV 3XO features:
- 30% high-strength steel construction
- 10% ultra-high-strength steel
- 5% advanced high-strength steel composition
Safety Performance Comparison Table
| Testing Body | Mahindra Scorpio-N Rating | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Global NCAP | 5 stars (Adult Protection) | Basic crash protection, airbags, ABS |
| ANCAP | 0 stars (Zero rating) | Advanced ADAS, AEB, lane assist, centre airbag |
| Testing Body | Mahindra XUV 3XO Rating | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP | 5 stars (Both categories) | 6 airbags, ESC, 360° camera, Level 2 ADAS |
| ANCAP | Not tested voluntarily | Would require additional safety systems |
What This Means for Car Buyers
Making Informed Decisions
Understanding these safety standards helps you make better vehicle choices. While a zero-star ANCAP rating might seem alarming, it often reflects missing technology rather than poor crash protection. However, those missing features—like automatic emergency braking—could prevent accidents entirely.
The Future Looks Promising
Mahindra is dedicated to incorporating safety features in all mid-cycle enhancements and new product releases. This means existing models will receive safety upgrades, while new models will launch with comprehensive safety packages from day one.
Industry Impact and Consumer Benefits
Mahindra’s safety push signals a broader industry shift toward democratizing advanced safety features. Indian manufacturers such as Mahindra have clearly demonstrated their ongoing commitment to improving vehicle safety performance, setting examples for other emerging market brands.
This commitment benefits Australian consumers through:
- More affordable vehicles with premium safety features
- Increased competition driving safety innovation
- Better protection for families across all price segments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do Mahindra vehicles score differently in Global NCAP vs ANCAP?
A: Different testing protocols focus on varying aspects—Global NCAP emphasizes crash protection, while ANCAP requires comprehensive active safety systems like AEB and lane assist.
Q: Will Mahindra’s safety improvements increase vehicle prices?
A: Some price increases are expected, but Mahindra aims to balance affordability with safety, making advanced features accessible to more buyers.
Q: When will current Mahindra models receive safety upgrades?
A: The Scorpio will receive ADAS features in a mid-cycle update, while new models from 2026 onwards will launch with five-star ANCAP capability built-in.
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