Is Mahindra Bolero Neo safe for you? The SUV scores only one star in safety ratings

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Used popularly in rural India, the Mahindra Bolero Neo in the Global NCAP tests achieved only one star in child and adult safety ratings. The tested model comes equipped with two airbags as standard and has secured low ratings on multiple fronts, including structure, footwell area, chest protection and more.

The Bolero NEO secured 20.26 points out of the maximum 34 for adult protection. Whereas for the child protection ratings, it got 12.71 points out of the maximum 49 - thereby getting just one-star rating in both parameters, the global safety test report said.

Why did Global NCAP give one-star rating to SUV?

• The protection offered to the driver's head was marginal, and the passenger's head showed good protection.
• Driver's chest showed weak protection, and passenger's chest showed adequate protection.
• Driver's and passenger's knees showed marginal protection as they can impact dangerous structures behind the fascia.
• Driver's tibias showed marginal protection and passenger's tibias showed adequate to good protection. Footwell area was rated as unstable. The bodyshell was rated as unstable and it is not capable of withstanding further loadings.
• The rear door on the struck side was found open after the test.
• The pole impact was not tested as curtain airbags are not standard. ESC is not fitted as standard. SBRs do not meet Global NCAP's requirements.
• ESC is not fitted as standard.
• SBRs do not meet Global NCAP's requirements.
• The car does not offer three point belts in all seating positions as standard in all versions.
• The marking warning consumers about rearward facing CRS in the front passenger position does not fulfil the requirements.
• The CRS installation failed in several positions.

"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 recognized with high safety ratings of 4 and 5 stars by the Global NCAP, reflecting our ongoing commitment to safety," said the auto company in an official statement.

Mahindra & Mahindra on Monday said its total wholesales increased 4 per cent year on year to 68,413 units in March. The company's total dispatches to its dealers stood at 66,041 units in March 2023.