Why ANCAP gave Mahindra Scorpio N a zero star rating

The Mahindra Scorpio N received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP under its ‘SaferCarsForIndia’ campaign, but, under the recently released Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) test, it received a 0-star rating. This is essentially due to a more stringent protocol that also requires the fitment of ADAS, which is not available on the Mahindra Scorpio N.

Compared to GNCAP’s protocol for India, the ANCAP protocol is vastly different and comprises of four key assessment areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assists. The Scorpio N managed a score of 44 percent in Adult Occupant Protection, 80 percent in Child Occupant Protection, 23 percent in Vulnerable Road User Protection and 0 percent in Safety Assist.

The crash tests comprise of an off-set frontal as well as a full-width frontal crash done at 50kph, a side impact test at 60kph and an oblique pole test at 32kph. A far-side (passenger-side) crash and whiplash assessment are also done.

Thus, as can be garnered, while the Mahindra Scorpio N sold in India and Australia are similar, the star ratings should not be compared given the vast difference in the testing methodology and protocol of the two countries' NCAPs. This also highlights that while manufacturers tom-tom high NCAP safety scores, the results must always be examined for inclusions and conditions of the test.