The Mahindra Bolero Neo compact SUV received a 1-star rating for both adult and child protection in Global NCAP's latest round of crash tests under its Safer Cars for India program. The SUV that underwent testing was only equipped with two airbags as standard and scored poorly on various parameters.

Global NCAP explained that the Bolero Neo was tested under the latest protocols and scored 20.26 points out of a maximum of 34. The report highlighted the SUV's unstable structure and footwell area, along with weak chest protection and poor feet protection for the driver. The Bolero Neo lacks curtain airbags or seat belt reminders for all passengers.

Regarding child occupant protection, the Bolero Neo scored 12.71 points out of a maximum of 49. The absence of three-point seat belts for all passengers, a passenger airbag switch, and only one child restraint system (CRS) contributed to the low scores, despite showing "acceptable dynamic performance" for child protection.

The presence of side-facing third-row seats also contributed to the Bolero Neo's low overall rating. The report criticized Mahindra for not meeting Global NCAP's safety expectations due to the continued use of this seating arrangement in its SUVs.

While Mahindra has received good ratings for products like the Scorpio N, the XUV700, and the XUV300 SUV, the Bolero's low rating is not surprising as it is based on an old platform. The Bolero Neo, essentially an extensively updated TUV300 SUV launched in 2016, is expected to be replaced within two years by a new platform currently under development at Mahindra.

In addition to the Bolero Neo, Global NCAP also tested the Honda Amaze and the Kia Carens MPV in this round of assessments. The safety body announced that these assessments mark the final tests in the Safer Cars for India campaign as Bharat NCAP becomes fully activated