The Mahindra Scorpio, a mid-size SUV that made its debut in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, has received a mixed safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). While the vehicle earned a respectable five stars for adult occupant protection, concerns were raised regarding child safety and the lack of certain driver assistance features.
CONTENTS
Mahindra Scorpio Safety: What You Need to Know
Adult Protection:
- ✅ Strong: 5-star rating for front and mid-row passengers.
- ⚠️ Caution: No head airbags for 3rd row – choose alternative seating if possible.
Child Safety:
- ** Avoid:** Lap-only seatbelt in 2nd-row center (7-seater NZ models).
- ❌ No Go: No top tether anchors in center 2nd and all 3rd rows.
- ** Not Recommended:** Transporting young children in these positions.
Driver Assistance:
- ** Missing:** Essential features like AEB, lane support, and seatbelt reminders.
- ** Consider:** If these features are important to you.
Overall:
- ** Good choice:** For front and mid-row adult passengers.
- ⚠️ Concerns: Limited child safety options in rear seats.
- ⚖️ Weigh your priorities: Consider safety limitations before purchase.
These headings are clear, concise, and directly address the main safety concerns identified in the content. They should be easily scannable and provide readers with a quick overview of the key takeaways.
Standard Airbags Offer Solid Protection for Front and Mid-Row Passengers
On the positive side, the Mahindra Scorpio comes equipped with a comprehensive set of airbags for the front and second rows, including dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags. This provides crucial protection for occupants in the event of a collision.
Third-Row Safety Concerns: Missing Head Airbags and Lap-Only Center Seatbelt
However, a major concern lies with the third-row seating. The side head-protecting airbags do not extend to cover passengers in this area, leaving them vulnerable to head injuries. Additionally, the seven-seat variant available in New Zealand features a lap-only seatbelt in the second-row center position, which ANCAP strongly discourages due to its inadequate protection in crashes.
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Absence of Key Driver Assistance Systems Raises Concerns
Furthermore, the Mahindra Scorpio lacks several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles. These include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane support system (LSS), and seatbelt reminder (SBR) for rear seats. The absence of these features raises concerns about the vehicle’s ability to help drivers avoid accidents and mitigate injury severity.
Child Restraint Concerns: Missing Top Tether Anchorages
Parents considering the Mahindra Scorpio should also be aware of limitations regarding child restraint compatibility. The vehicle lacks top tether anchorages in the center seating position of the second row (seven-seat variants) and all third-row seating positions. This makes it difficult to secure child seats safely in these areas, compromising the safety of young passengers.
Overall, the Mahindra Scorpio’s safety rating presents a mixed picture. While adult occupant protection is commendable, the lack of third-row head airbags, the lap-only center seatbelt, and the absence of crucial ADAS features raise concerns for child safety and overall driver assistance. Families and safety-conscious buyers should carefully consider these limitations before making a purchasing decision.