The Global NCAP tests revealed a one-star rating for both child and adult safety in the Mahindra Bolero Neo, shedding light on its performance regarding occupant safety. Unlike other Mahindra models boasting higher safety ratings, this SUV is deficient in critical safety features.
The Mahindra Bolero Neo, a vehicle widely embraced in rural India, recently underwent scrutiny in Global NCAP tests, revealing shortcomings in both adult and child safety ratings. Despite being equipped with standard dual airbags, this model received a solitary star in overall safety evaluation due to subpar performance across various metrics, including structural integrity, footwell design, and chest protection.
Scoring 20.26 out of a possible 34 points for adult protection and a mere 12.71 out of 49 for child safety, the Bolero Neo fell short in crucial safety aspects, leading to its underwhelming rating in both categories, as outlined in the comprehensive safety assessment report.
Global NCAP’s rationale for assigning a one-star rating to this SUV stems from several critical observations:
- Limited protection for the driver’s head, contrasting with relatively better protection for the passenger.
- Weak chest protection for the driver and only adequate protection for the passenger.
- Marginal knee protection for both driver and passenger, potentially exposing them to hazardous structures.
- Inadequate tibia protection for the driver and mixed results for the passenger, alongside an unstable footwell area.
- Structural instability, compromising the vehicle’s ability to endure additional stress.
- Incidents of rear door detachment post-testing, highlighting potential safety hazards.
- Omissions in essential safety features such as curtain airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and seat belt reminders.
Furthermore, the Bolero Neo lacks three-point seat belts for all occupants and fails to meet certain CRS (child restraint system) installation requirements, further contributing to its diminished safety rating.
In response to these findings, Mahindra & Mahindra reiterated its commitment to compliance with evolving safety standards, emphasizing continuous enhancements in vehicle safety features. While acknowledging the Bolero Neo’s rating, the company emphasized the favorable safety ratings received by its other models, including the Thar, XUV700, XUV300, and Scorpio-N.
Despite the company’s efforts to maintain regulatory compliance and enhance safety across its product line-up, the Bolero Neo’s performance underscores the need for further improvements, especially considering its out-dated platform. Scheduled for replacement within the next two years, the Bolero Neo represents a transitional model awaiting the introduction of Mahindra’s forthcoming platform, currently in development.
This assessment of the Bolero Neo by Global NCAP coincides with similar evaluations conducted on other vehicles such as the Honda Amaze and the Kia Carens MPV, marking significant milestones in the Safer Cars for India campaign as Bharat NCAP approaches full activation.
Further, In the frontal impact test at 64 kmph, the Bolero Neo has been rated to offer ‘marginal’ head protection for the driver and ‘good’ head protection for the front passenger. Neck protection was rated ‘good’ for both occupants. However, chest protection for the driver was ‘weak.’ It was ‘adequate’ for the passenger. Knee protection was ‘marginal’ for both front occupants. Finally, the footwell was deemed unstable.
Follow the link below to see the video posted by Global NCAP of the Bolero Neo Crash Test.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwIPS_3h0KU
If You want to know more about Bolero Neo’s Specifications,
All about the Engine:
- Type : mHAWK100 1493cm3 BSVI
- Maximum Power : 73.5 kW @ 3750 r/min
- Maximum Torque : 260Nm @ 1750-2250 r/min
- Gearbox : 5 Speed Manual
- Steering Type : Power
- Tyress : Tubeless radials, 215/75,(R15)
Fuel:
- Capacity : 50 Litre
- Type : Diesel
Dimension:
- Wheel Base in mm : 2680
- L x W x H in mm: 3995 x 1795 mm x 1817 mm
- Min Ground Clearance in mm : 160
- Seating Capacity : 7 seats (5+2 configuration)
- Boot Space : 384 Litre
Mahindra Bolero Neo Price:
Mahindra Bolero Neo price starts at ₹ 9.90 Lakh and top model price goes upto ₹ 12.15 Lakh. Bolero Neo is offered in 4 variants – the base model of Bolero Neo is N4 and the top model Mahindra Bolero Neo N10 Option.