By Global NCAP released crash test results of three cars – Mahindra Bolero Neo, Kia Carens and Honda Amaze. Even though Bharat NCAP had officially started testing cars before Global NCAP had tested a few other cars while results were not yet released. Mahindra is known for scoring really good ratings in crash tests as most of the modern cars are really well built but the exception was a few old cars which are currently on sale and one of them is Bolero Neo as the SUV scored just one-star rating in the latest Global NCAP test.
The most concerning part of the result is regarding adult occupant protection. Scoring 20.26 out of a possible 34 points, the SUV got a subpar performance in this category, which results in unstable structure and footwell area. Furthermore, the assessment noted deficiencies in chest and feet protection for the driver, highlighting significant differences between front and side impact protection. Notably, the Bolero Neo lacks curtain airbags and seatbelt reminders for all passengers. The report criticizes Mahindra for its choice of side-facing seats in the third row, which is cited as a major contributor to the Bolero Neo’s unsatisfactory Global NCAP test score.
In terms of child occupant safety, the Bolero Neo got a low score of 12.71 out of 49 points. Limited by the absence of three-point seatbelts for all passengers and a passenger airbag switch, alongside only one child restraint system (CRS), the SUV’s rating in this domain remained low despite displaying “acceptable dynamic performance.” Notably, the inclusion of side-facing seats in the third row significantly impacted the overall rating, with Global NCAP expressing disappointment in Mahindra’s failure to meet safety expectations by persisting with such seating arrangements in their SUVs.
