The Mahindra Scorpio-N is a popular SUV that has received a 5-star safety rating from the “Safer cars for India” initiative. However, when it was recently tested by the Australian NCAP, it scored 0-stars. This low rating came as a surprise to many, especially considering its high rating in India. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the Scorpio-N’s poor safety rating in Australia.
The Role of Autonomous Emergency Braking
One of the main reasons for the Scorpio-N’s low rating is the absence of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). AEB is a safety feature that automatically applies the brakes in the event of an imminent collision, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. In Australia, the Federal Government has introduced a new law that mandates all new cars sold in the country to have AEB as a safety feature from March 1st, 2023. As the Scorpio-N lacks this feature, it was awarded a 0-star rating by the Australian NCAP.
Implications of the Australian Law
The Australian law that mandates AEB as a safety feature has significant implications for car manufacturers. In particular, any new cars that lack this feature will not be allowed to be sold in the country from March 1st, 2023. However, for cars that were introduced prior to the implementation of the law, they will still be allowed to be sold, but with a 0-star safety rating. This is the case with the Scorpio-N, which was introduced to Australia in November 2022, prior to the implementation of the law.
Comparing the Scorpio-N to Other Cars
It’s important to note that the Scorpio-N does not have any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as Blind Spot Detection Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, or Lane Departure Warning. While the lack of these features may be a factor in its low rating, it’s important to note that the absence of AEB is the primary reason for its 0-star rating.
In contrast, the XUV700, which will be launched in Australia later this year, does have ADAS features such as Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. As a result, it is better equipped to achieve a higher safety rating from the Australian NCAP.
The Importance of Safety Ratings
Safety ratings are an important consideration for car buyers, as they provide valuable information about a car’s safety features and capabilities. In particular, a high safety rating can be a key factor in a buyer’s decision to purchase a car. However, it’s important to note that safety ratings can vary between different countries, depending on their specific safety laws and regulations.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Scorpio-N’s low safety rating in Australia is primarily due to the absence of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which is now a mandatory safety feature for all new cars sold in the country. While the Scorpio-N received a 5-star safety rating in India, it’s important to note that safety ratings can vary between countries, depending on their specific safety laws and regulations. Car buyers should always consider safety ratings when making a purchasing decision, and be aware of any safety laws or regulations that may impact the safety rating of a particular car.
