The recent crash test conducted by Global NCAP on the new Mahindra Bolero Neo has stirred discussions about its safety performance, particularly in comparison to its competitor, the Tata Nexon. The Bolero Neo received a 1-star safety rating, raising concerns about its safety features and structural integrity. In contrast, the Tata Nexon, a prominent player in the compact SUV segment, secured an impressive 5-star safety rating, highlighting significant disparities between the two vehicles in terms of safety standards.
The Mahindra Bolero Neo”s performance in the crash test revealed several shortcomings. The vehicle”s body was deemed unstable, and its safety features were found lacking, especially concerning the protection of occupants. While the driver received marginal head protection and good neck protection, other vital areas such as the chest and knees offered weak protection. Additionally, the footwell area was rated as unstable, posing further safety risks in the event of a collision.
In terms of passenger safety, the Bolero Neo provided adequate chest protection, good neck protection, and marginal protection to the knees. However, the absence of certain safety features, such as side and curtain airbags, raises concerns about overall occupant protection. Furthermore, the lack of standard electronic stability control (ESC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), speed assistance, and lane assistance further diminishes the vehicle”s safety credentials. Although ISOFIX child seat anchors are present, they are limited to the middle-row seats only, limiting their effectiveness in securing child occupants.
On the other hand, the Tata Nexon”s exemplary safety performance sets a high standard in the segment. With a stable body shell and a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, the Nexon offers robust protection for occupants in various crash scenarios. Both the driver and passenger benefit from good head and neck protection, along with adequate chest and knee protection during frontal crash tests. Moreover, the side impact test demonstrated commendable protection for critical body regions such as the head, abdomen, and pelvis.
Notably, the side impact pole test, which was not conducted on the Mahindra Bolero Neo, showcased the Nexon”s capability in providing comprehensive protection, including good head and pelvis protection and adequate protection for the chest and abdomen. These results underscore the Tata Nexon”s commitment to ensuring top-notch safety standards, further solidifying its position as a leader in vehicle safety within its segment.
In conclusion, the safety performance of the Mahindra Bolero Neo, as evidenced by its 1-star rating from Global NCAP, raises significant concerns regarding its safety features and structural integrity. In contrast, the Tata Nexon”s exceptional 5-star safety rating underscores its superior safety standards and comprehensive protection for occupants, setting a benchmark for safety in the compact SUV segment.