5 Out Of 5 For Mahindra’s Scorpio N In Global NCAP Crash Tests

The Mahindra Scorpio N is one of the latest models to be crash-tested by Global NCAP and just like Mahindra’s newer offerings, the SUV has passed the crash test with a full five-star rating. This result would give the Scorpio nameplate a big boost, as the previous generation SUV, now called the Mahindra Scorpio Classic, scored zilch when tested back in 2016. Shows how much Mahindra has progressed when it comes to prioritising occupant safety in its cars.

The Mahindra Scorpio N was tested under Global NCAP’s latest safety norms and while its five-star safety rating (29.25 out of 34 points) for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) sounds impressive, its three-star rating (28.93 points out of 49) for Child Occupant Protection (COP) is quite average. In comparison, the XUV700 and Thar scored four stars in COP, but according to Global NCAP’s older protocols.

As is the case with all models it tests, Global NCAP used the Scorpio N’s base (Z2) trim for the crash test. The tested trim comes packing dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Moving up the ladder, the SUV gets additional safety features such as six airbags, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring as well. For the side pole impact test alone, Global NCAP tested the higher end variant with six airbags.

Adult Occupant Protection 

In the frontal impact test, the Mahindra Scorpio N offered good protection to both front occupants’ heads, necks and knees. However, both dummies’ chests showed only marginal protection. The tibias of the driver had adequate shielding, while the co-driver’s had only adequate and marginal protection. 

In the side impact test, protection to the head, chest, pelvis and abdomen was good. Global NCAP also put the SUV through a side pole impact test, stating that the version with six airbags meet fitment requirements and offer good protection to the the head, abdomen and pelvis,  however the occupants’ chests are vulnerable.

Child Occupant Protection 

Both the three-year-old and 18-month-old dummies were placed on rearward-facing child seats with a support leg. They were able to offer full protection to head exposure in the case of a frontal impact. Even during the side impact test, the SUV offered full protection to both child dummies. 

So where did the SUV go wrong in this particular case? We explain below:

ESC Requirements, Body Shell Stability, And Other Trivia 

Global NCAP rated the SUV’s body shell as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. Plus, the electronic stability control meets Global NCAP’s fitment requirements and works accordingly. Where the SUV lost some brownie points is the fact that it doesn’t offer three-point seat belts in all three rows, explaining its lower COP scores.

Price And Rivals 

The news of Mahindra Scorpio N getting five stars is encouraging and satisfying as well. It is great to see Indian carmakers manufacturing cars with good safety standards. The Scorpio N is priced from Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and its alternatives are the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos as well as midsize SUVs such as Tata Harrier and MG Hector.