In the latest round of #SaferCarsForIndia crash tests by Global NCAP, Mahindra Thar has set a new benchmark in safety by scoring an impressive four star rating for adult and child occupants, the highest ever for a body-on-frame SUV tested by Global NCAP so far. In fact, out of all the cars tested so far, the Thar is now one of the only two Indian made vehicles to score a four star rating when it comes to child safety. The only other car to do so is the Mahindra XUV300.
Here's the crash test footage:
The Thar used for the test was in its basic safety specification which means that it came equipped with two airbags, seatbelt reminder, three point seat belt for rear passenger, ABS and ISOFIX mounts for child seats in the rear. Although ESC does not come as a standard feature in the Thar, the Global NCAP tested Thar’s ESC according to UN regulation. Even though the Thar passed the ESC test, GNCAP has recommended Mahindra to review and improve the vehicle’s ‘unstable dynamic behaviour’.
The below footage of the Thar's ESC test looks quite scary!
Moving on to the crash test, the test results indicated that the driver and passenger’s head and neck were well protected. Driver’s chest offered adequate protection and the passenger’s chest showed good protection. Both adult knee areas were optimized to reduce significant injuries. Both child occupants received almost full protection during the test mainly due to the fact that the Thar comes equipped with ISOFIX and three point seat belts as standard. The entire body structure was rated as stable but the footwell area was rated as unstable. GNCAP does not make it mandatory for car manufacturers to go for the UN95 side impact test but it is a requirement if the car stands a chance to score a five star rating. The Thar passed the side impact test comfortably as well but was not awarded a full five star rating because it didn’t score the required points in the frontal impact.
Even though the hard-top variant was used in the crash test, the same ratings should be applicable for the soft-top variants as well because the roof of the Thar does not add to the overall structural strength of the vehicle.
These results go on to show Mahindra’s commitment towards making their cars as safe as possible. The Mahindra XUV300 received a five star rating making it the safest vehicle to be tested by GNCAP between 2014 and 2020 and the Thar’s rating is another feather in its cap.