The Scorpio came to market in April this year without key safety features like auto emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping aids or blind-spot management, and an upgraded version with more safety gear is still more than a year away from an Australian launch.
Mahindra does not report its sales through the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) ANCAP report, so it is unclear how many Scorpios have found homes since its launch.
While the MG5 launched in September with AEB, ABS and six airbags, it arrived without other key driver-assistance features like lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, as well as traffic sign recognition and driver attention assist.
MG Motor Australia boss Peter Ciao told CarsGuide earlier this year that he was not expecting a five-star rating for the MG5, but the omission of this tech allowed the booming Chinese brand to offer a new car for less than $30,000.
In just a couple of months on sale, MG has sold 1888 examples of its MG5.
In just a couple of months on sale, MG has sold 1888 examples of its MG5.
Breaking down the individual scores, the MG5 achieved 37 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 58 per cent for Child Occupant Protection and 42 Per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, while scoring just 13 per cent for Safety Assist.
ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said both carmakers "misjudged the safety expectations of today's consumers" and described the safety offerings as "generations behind" other cars on the market.
"This is a stark reminder that not all cars offer the same level of safety – even when they're brand new models," she said.
While the MG5 launched in September with AEB, ABS and six airbags, it arrived without other key driver-assistance features.
"Market competition is healthy and encouraged, however there is also a well-established expectation from Australian and New Zealand private consumers and fleet buyers that new cars entering our market offer the best levels of safety."
Responding to the ANCAP score, an MG Motor Australia spokesperson said the carmaker worked closely with the Australian Government to make sure the MG5 "met the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for vehicle design", and confirmed that more safety gear was on the way for the small sedan.
"The MG5 was certified and approved for sale in Australia and has met the (ADR) rules to be sold. The current MG5 is offered to the Australian market as an affordable car in the sedan segment," they said.
"We are always striving to do the right thing by our customers in terms of affordability, form and function. Where and when possible, we will add improvements to our products for our models during their life cycle. In 2024, the MG5 will receive a safety pack upgrade which will increase the overall safety of this model inline with ANCAP's rating system.
Mahindra does not report its sales through the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) ANCAP report, so it is unclear how many Scorpios have found homes since its launch.
"These planned enhancements for the MG5 will reiterate our commitment to customers and ensure further passenger safety with a much more advanced ADAS systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Speed Assist systems, Lane Assist systems and Pedestrian Protection safety systems as seen in some of our other models."
The Mahindra scored 44 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 80 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 23 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and zero per cent for Safety Assist.
A Mahindra spokesperson said the brand was committed to providing its customers with "safe, authentic and reliable" SUVs, and highlighted the Scorpio's adherence to ADRs.
"At its launch, the Scorpio fully adhered to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), demonstrating our dedication to meeting rigorous standards while also excelling in robust 4x4 capabilities and steadfast reliability," they said.
The Mahindra scored 44 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 80 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 23 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and zero per cent for Safety Assist.
"Equipped with comprehensive safety features, including six airbags, ESP, ABS, a crashworthy ring structure with multiple load paths and extensive use of high-strength steel, it reaffirms our focus on the structural safety of the vehicle and the protection it offers to the occupants.
"Scorpio's Global NCAP 5-star safety rating highlights its high safety standards while demonstrating its strong structural integrity and the effectiveness of its inherent safety features."
They went on to confirm that given the latest 2023 ANCAP protocols, Mahindra is "working towards meeting unique safety regulations and these requirements for Australia as part of our product mid-cycle update".
While timing is not yet clear on the mid-cycle update, the spokesperson confirmed that it would be in time for Australia's AEB mandate in 2025.
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