Mahindra Bolero Neo Scores Disappointing 1 Star In Global NCAP Crash Safety Test

Mahindra’s recent SUVs – such as the Scorpio N, XUV700 and Thar – have secured impressive results in the Global NCAP crash safety test. So it is indeed disappointing and a bit surprising that the Bolero Neo, the latest model tested by Global NCAP, scored zero stars in the tests. 

Taking a closer look at the scores, the body-on-frame sub-4 metre SUV scored 1 star (20.26 out of 34) in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 1 star (12.71 out of 49) in the Child Occupant Protection (COP) category. Safety features on board the Bolero Neo include just the basics such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. 

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)

In the frontal impact test, the driver’s head received marginal protection, while the same for the co-driver was rated good. Both the front occupants received good protection for the neck. However, shielding for the driver and co-driver’s chest was rated as weak and adequate, respectively. Protection for the knees of both the occupants were rated as marginal as they could come in contact with the dangerous structures behind the dashboard. 

It must also be noted that the body shell and footwell area was rated as unstable and the former wasn’t deemed incapable of withstanding further loadings. 

In the side impact test, the Bolero Neo offered good shielding for the head, abdomen and pelvis; however, the chest had adequate protection. Global NCAP also found out that the rear door was found open on the impact side after the test. The side pole impact test was not conducted as the Bolero Neo doesn’t have curtain airbags. Besides, the fact that the Bolero Neo doesn’t have electronic stability control and a seat belt reminder meant it doesn’t meet Global NCAP standards, all of which explains the 1 star score for AOP. 

Child Occupant Protection 

The three-year old dummy was fitted on a forward-facing child seat using a support leg and adult seatbelt, while the same for the 18-month old was installed facing rearward, using the seatbelt. 

In the frontal impact test, the three-year old dummy’s seat was able to prevent head exposure and offered almost full protection. And for the 18-month old dummy, it was not able to prevent head exposure, offering limited shielding. However, both the child seats were able to offer full protection in the side impact test. 

That said, Global NCAP did point out that the Bolero Neo doesn’t get three-point seat belts for all seating positions as standard. It also noted that a warning for the child restraint system (CRS) doesn’t fulfil the requirement, while you can’t disconnect the passenger airbag if you decide to fit a child seat in the co-driver seat. All of this explains the 1 star rating for COP. 

Here’s What Mahindra Had To Say

The Bolero Neo’s score is indeed disappointing, considering how impressive the brand’s other SUVs have been performing. Commenting on the news, Mahindra said, "We (Mahindra) are committed to delivering vehicles that ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers and users. The Bolero Neo is the trusted utility vehicle of choice in India, owing to its robust build, highly dependable nature, and innate capability to handle a variety of usage conditions. The Bolero Neo has always complied with safety regulations that have been introduced over time and continues to be fully compliant with the latest Indian safety standards. As we are constantly innovating and improving our vehicles to exceed safety regulations, we want to assure our customers and stakeholders that Mahindra has significantly enhanced safety features in all our recent launches. Models like the Thar, XUV700, XUV300, and Scorpio-N, have been recognised with high safety ratings of 4 and 5 stars by the Global NCAP, reflecting our ongoing commitment to safety. We value the trust our customers place in us and are dedicated to upholding it through continual advancements in vehicle safety and technology."

Bolero Neo Price And Rivals 

The Mahindra Bolero Neo is priced from Rs 9.9 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it as a body-on-frame alternative to the Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue and the upcoming Mahindra XUV 3XO.