Mahindra & Mahindra has yet another five-star Global NCAP-rated model in its portfolio. The recently launched Mahindra XUV700 has achieved a full five-star crash test rating for adult occupant and four stars for child occupants in Global NCAP’s latest #SaferCarsForIndia crash tests. 

In January 2020, the Mahindra XUV300 became the first product from the company to win a robust five-star GNCAP crash test rating and the highest combined score for Indian cars. Ten months later, the new Mahindra Thar received a four-star rating from the global automotive safety watchdog.

The Mahindra XUV700 was tested in the most basic safety specification, fitted with two airbags, ABS brakes and ISOFIX anchorages. GNCAP says the XUV700 could be improved by making standard its optional equipment such as side body airbags, side head curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and three-point belts in all seating positions. 

The XUV700 was tested in compliance with the requirements of Global NCAP’s voluntary test procedure.

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Tester’s notes
Adult Occupant Protection: The protection offered to the driver and passenger's head, neck and chest was good. Driver and passenger’s knees showed good protection. Driver tibias showed adequate protection and passenger tibias showed adequate and good protection. The bodyshell and footwell area was rated as stable and they were capable of withstanding further loadings. The car offers standard Seatbelt Reminders (SBR) for driver and passenger. The UN95 test showed that the car could pass the requirements. All of the above explain the five stars for adult occupant protection.

Child Occupant Protection: The child seat for the 3-year old and 1.5-year- old were installed rearward facing with ISOFIX anchorages and support leg. Both were able to prevent head exposure during the impact. Child Restraint System (CRS) marking was OK. The recommended CRSs did not show incompatibility. The vehicle offers a lapbelt in the rear centre position. All of the above explain the four-star rating for child occupant protection. 

Commenting on the XUV700's crash test performance,, Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Global NCAP said, “Mahindra has achieved a major milestone with this top score for adult protection and by becoming the first Indian made and owned brand to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as a safety option. Making this life saving technology available is an important step in encouraging the widespread fitment of crash avoidance technologies. Mahindra is one of the leading manufacturers in India, committed to improving their vehicles in response to Global NCAP’s call to democratise vehicle safety.” 

David Ward, President of the Towards Zero Foundation said,  “It’s very satisfying to see Mahindra demonstrating their ongoing commitment to vehicle safety with the five star performing XUV700. High levels of occupant protection for adults and children as well as the availability of AEB, the potentially life saving crash avoidance technology. These are important indicators of the Indian automotive market moving towards ever higher level of consumer awareness and demand for safety.”

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