Mahindra Thar scores four stars in Global NCAP crash tests
The new Mahindra Thar has possibly the most important achievement under its belt, having achieved a four star rating in recent Global NCAP crash tests. The hardtop model tested was equipped with two airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, four-channel ABS, ESC, rollcage and ISOFIX anchorages (the latter three are available on higher-spec variants) and achieved a four star rating for both adult and child occupant protection. The report from Global NCAP details a good rating for head and chest protection for the co-driver, and good and adequate ratings for the driver's head and chest respectively.
The Thar's body integrity was deemed stable, thanks to adequate protection for the occupants, with no weak or poor ratings for the front passengers, though the footwell area was rated as unstable. In fact, the test shows that the body structure can undergo further loading as well. The Thar was also subjected to side impact tests, where it is reported to have comfortably passed regulatory requirements. Withing Mahindra's lineup, the XUV300 has already received a five star safety rating from the G-NCAP, while recently tested Indian cars had less favourable results.
G-NCAP also tested the Thar's ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system, with rollover mitigation, as available on certain variants, to UN regulation standards. The report finds that though the Thar met the minimum safety requirements, it showed unsafe dynamic behaviour with the G-NCAP having made recommendations to the manufacturer to address the same. For reference, the Jeep Wrangler, to which the design of the Mahindra Thar has been likened, has scored one star in previous Euro NCAP tests (not to be confused with Global NCAP), which also tests for pedestrian safety and automated emergency braking systems, a feature which was not available on the Wrangler at the time of testing but is standard equipment now.