Make’s head office responds to ANCAP’s stinging crash test consideration.

REMINDER has come from Mahindra that one of its star products still meets New Zealand regulatory standard even though it has copped a wallop from the national crash tester.

Comment from the make’s head office in Mumbai, India, has come in response to the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme having blasted the Scorpio, a five-to-seven seater medium-large body-on-frame four-wheel drive wagon.

ANCAP has given the model, which released in New Zealand in August, it’s worst possible score in both crash protection and crash avoidance.

While Mahindra has strongly protested the zero rating, a statement from head office has also today promised to deliver improvements during the model’s mid-life update.

The timeframe for that is not made clear.

ANCAP’s assessment is the lowest ever result awarded by the New Zealand Government-accredited test, which conducts in Australia and is aligned to that conducted by sister organisation Euro NCAP.

It is believed the Scorpio is the first vehicle in ANCAP’s 30 year history to score zero percent in one of the four test categories.

The only other time it has given a vehicle zero stars was for a Mitsubishi van, the Express, in 2021. That was when the test was to a lower standard. It was toughened on January 1 this year and is considered an international barometer.

ANCAP’s decision appears to have been met with shock by India’s automotive media, who say the model has one of the highest scores under a different crash test regime, called Global NCAP.

GNCAP and ANCAP both deliver highest scores of five stars and that’s Scorpio’s standing under GNCAP.

However, though it’s name speaks to international standing, Global NCAP is actually restricted to India.

The testing regimes differ significantly in their testing methodologies, safety equipment requirements and scoring patterns.

ANCAP distinguishes itself by placing greater emphasis on active safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems. That’s where Scorpio fell short, though ANCAP’s chief executive, Carla Hoorweg, has also raised concern about its physical crashworthiness.

Mahindra is one of India’s largest automotive makers and a SUV specialist and has high hopes for strong penetration in New Zealand, for now with fossil-fuelled product but ultimately adding electrics.

Comment about Scorpio specific to the NZ market has come from its head office and been relayed via distributor Mahindra NZ.

The brand says it is dedicated to providing its customers with SUVs that are safe, authentic, and reliable.

“The Mahindra Scorpio stands as a strong testament to this commitment.

“At its launch, the Scorpio fully adhered to New Zealand regulatory requirements, demonstrating our dedication to meeting rigorous standards while also excelling in robust four-by-four capabilities and steadfast reliability.”

ANCAP lambasted Scorpio for lacking what it calls the fundamental omission of safety features that have been commonplace in new cars for many years.

It spoke specifically to Scorpio lacking autonomous emergency braking and lane support systems, but also criticised its physical crash protection.

Mahindra in turn says the model has “comprehensive safety features” - including six airbags, electronic stability programme, antiskid braking and “a crashworthy ring structure with multiple load paths and extensive use of high-strength steel.”

Said the brand: “It reaffirms our focus on the structural safety of the vehicle and the protection it offers to the occupants.”

Mahindra said Scorpio’s GNCAP five-star safety rating highlights its high safety standards “while demonstrating its strong structural integrity and the effectiveness of its inherent safety features.”

It says the ANCAP schedule has specific requirements that include certain additional features.

“We at Mahindra are committed to our promise of safety and are working towards meeting unique safety regulations and these requirements for New Zealand 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.”

The Times of India newspaper today called the ANCAP conclusion a “dismal result” and reported Mahindra as saying its future models, including the updated Scorpio (called Scorpio-N in its home market), will not only comply with, but aim to exceed, latest ANCAP safety norms.