Overall Evaluation: 4 Stars
Model History and Safety Features
The tested model of the XUV500 was introduced in Australia during 2012. This ANCAP rating applies to the all-wheel-drive variant. Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard.
4 stars. The XUV500 scored 10 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment lost structural integrity. Protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver due to excessive rearward movement of the brake pedal. The vehicle scored a default score of 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. Frontal Offset Crash Test Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 3 pts, chest 3 pts, upper legs 4 pts, lower legs zero pts. The passenger compartment held its shape reasonably well in the offset crash test however the structure supporting the trans-fascia tube had partially separated from the A-pillar resulting in a structural modifier. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 258 mm and upwards 135 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 45 mm rearward, 135 mm upward and 8 mm sideways. The A-pillar moved 18 mm rearwards. The tailgate opened during the crash but Mahindra demonstrated that a software upgrade would eliminate this problem and so no modifier was applied. After the crash the driver's door could be opened with high manual effort. Contact with the driveshaft appears to have caused a rupture in the fuel line. The exhaust pipe contacted the fuel tank but did not cause a puncture. The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag. There was concern about driver knee hazards but the components were just outside the assessment zone and so no modifiers were applied.
