Latest news with #Hoorweg
Mercury
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mercury
Mahindra XUV-3XO: Budget SUV arrives without ANCAP safety rating as 2026 crash test rules change
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Mahindra's newest compact SUV, XUV 3XO, has just launched in Australia with a jaw-dropping price of $23,490k (introductory offer) for the base model and flashy features like a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras and level 2 ADAS. It's a zippy, family-friendly SUV that's hard to ignore. But while it may look like the ultimate bargain, it comes with a catch. Mahindra isn't submitting it for ANCAP testing, as it's not mandatory in Australia. Instead, the automaker is working on tuning the vehicle to meet Australia's upcoming 2026 ANCAP protocols which include new benchmarks for post-crash safety, driver monitoring and advanced autonomous braking. That doesn't mean the car won't be tested at all. It's likely ANCAP will independently test the vehicle. RELATED: Australia's in love with Elon again Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare A social media clip recently revealed ANCAP conducted a test on this model; however, its rating has not yet been released. ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said consumers shouldn't overlook the importance of a verified rating. 'It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model line-up, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown,' she said. Hoorweg emphasised that safety is critical in the compact SUV category. 'The Mahindra 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price-tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true,' she said. 'Smaller vehicles, by physical size, are at a disadvantage out on the road. We all drive within a mixed fleet of larger cars, utes, vans, and trucks, so having a high level of structural safety, on-board safety features, and best ability to avoid a crash is critical for those looking to purchase a smaller vehicle.' MORE: Aussies 'not ready' for advanced driver tech Interior of Mahindra XUV 3XO. Picture: Daniel Snare Budget-friendly cars like the XUV-3XO often appeal to younger, more inexperienced drivers or older Australians, who may be more vulnerable in crashes, Hoorweg said. 'We also need to think about the consumer cohorts that are likely to buy these vehicles. They're generally some of the most at-risk – younger, more inexperienced drivers and older drivers who are physically more vulnerable.' Despite the lack of ANCAP testing, Mahindra insists the car is built to high safety standard and has been tested in India. According to the brand, the XUV 3XO features 55 safety features, including six airbags, level 2 ADAS, Bosch electronic stability program and 360 degree camera system. The 3XO on sale today is based on the heavily modified platform originally used by SsangYong's Tivoli, first released here in 2018. The price is right but buyers have to be mindful. Picture: Daniel Snare Mahindra says it has made major structural improvements but admits the car isn't currently tuned to meet ANCAP's stricter rules coming in 2026. A revised model will be submitted for future testing which could result in a higher price. With a current entry price below many hatchbacks and a lengthy 7-year warranty, the XUV 3XO offers strong bang for buck. The base model AX5L offers a sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6 speaker system for $23,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). The top spec AX7L adds a panoramic sunroof, leatherette interior and cabin, and a 360-degree camera for $26,490 drive away (July-August introductory offer). But with the current model not built to ANCAP's future crash standards, and a revised version already in the pipeline, buyers need to weigh up whether to buy now or wait. MORE: The end of travel as we know it Originally published as 24k SUV lands but there's a catch
NZ Autocar
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Latest ANCAP crash testing has four Euros on five stars
Four new vehicles from Europe have recently undergone ANCAP crash testing and passed with flying colours. Polestar 3 First up, the Polestar 3 EV impressed with a very high level of protection offered to child occupants, scoring 94 per cent. It also received top marks for the effectiveness of its child presence detection system (CPD). The set-up offers direct feedback to the driver if child occupants are left in an unattended vehicle. The vehicle was almost as effective at Adult Occupant Protection with a 90 per cent result. Its active safety features include reverse AEB, which prevents driveway and carpark reversing collisions involving children and adults. It received a 79 per cent score for safety assist and also vulnerable road user protection. Volkswagen Tiguan Next up, Volkswagen Tiguan, which also achieved five-star ANCAP status. It scored 83, 88, 84 and 84 per cent across each of the respective Adult, Child, Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist categories. ANCAP said that the five-seat Tiguan presents a safe all-round package. Driver and front passenger protection in the frontal offset crash test was judged as being very good. 'The Tiguan blends a solid crash structure with a well-rounded active safety offering. That makes it a dependable and practical choice for the safety-conscious family,' said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg. Audi A5 Audi's full-size sedan, the A5, achieved an 87 per cent scores for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. Protection from injury in the range of destructive crash tests was Good overall. Good levels of protection were also observed for child occupants in the side and frontal crash tests. A child presence detection system is fitted, although this system is not as sophisticated as the direct monitoring CPD system fitted to the Polestar 3. The collision avoidance systems fitted to the Audi A5 showed effective performance, with the most consistent performance seen in car-to-car autonomous emergency braking functionality. The A5 achieved solid scores of 78 and 79 per cent for Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist categories, respectively. Volkswagen Multivan This people mover first arrived in New Zealand in 2022, though did not go on sale in Australia until early 2025. It features a host of airbags throughout, helping it to achieve a 90 per cent Adult Occupant Protection score and 88 per cent for Child Occupant Protection. Strong scores were recorded in each of the physical crash tests. For Vulnerable Road Users, the score was 69 per cent and for Safety Assist Multivan managed 79 per cent. 'For families and businesses transporting people regularly, the Multivan offers reassuring levels of protection throughout its three-rows as well as to those outside the vehicle,' said Ms Hoorweg. Unlike the other three tested here using the latest criteria, the Multivan was assessed using the 2020-2022 crash test regimen.
NZ Autocar
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
A trio of five-star cars in the latest ANCAP round
The revised Tesla Model 3 has amassed a five-star ANCAP rating. That covers all models built from September 2023. The electric sedan demonstrated strong crash test performance results, scoring 90% for Adult Occupant Protection. It attained full marks for the side impact and oblique pole tests. In the frontal offset test, it achieved good results for most body regions for the front seat occupants. However, it rates as adequate for a few. Since September 2023 Tesla Model 3s have had a centre airbag fitted between the front seats. They also come with an active bonnet system. The centre airbag earned full points in far side impact testing, demonstrating effective occupant-to-occupant protection. And the active bonnet system performed just as intended. A Child Occupant Protection score of 95 per cent is the highest result recorded to date against the current test criteria. In both the frontal offset and side impact tests, the Tesla Model 3 scored maximum points. A child presence detection system is standard on all variants and contributed to the record score. Strong performance in crash avoidance and driver assistance system testing contributed to the Tesla Model 3's Vulnerable Road User Protection score of 89 per cent. That's another record high, while the Safety Assist score was 88 per cent. 'The upgraded Tesla Model 3 has delivered standout results for child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a reassuring choice for families,' said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg. The all-electric Kia EV3 also managed a five-star ANCAP safety rating, like Kia's other EV stablemates. Adult occupant protection was rated at 83 per cent. Adequate to good protection was recorded for all critical body regions of front seat occupants. Top points were awarded for full width frontal and side impact testing. An 86 per cent score for Child Occupant Protection reveals good protection for almost all critical areas. A maximum score was recorded for side impact testing. In the Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist pillars, the EV3 achieved 78 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively. Its AEB system functioned well. 'Following in the footsteps of the larger EV9 and EV5 models, the Kia EV3 has demonstrated the brand's continued prioritisation of safety for its Australian and New Zealand customers,' said Ms Hoorweg. All variants of the new MG S5 EV which is due here midyear achieved a five-star rating. Adult Occupant Protection saw a score of 90 per cent, with adequate or good protection in frontal offset testing, oblique pole testing and full width frontal crash testing. MG S5 EV achieved maximum points in side impact test. For Child Occupant Protection a crash test score of 86 per cent was achieved. Good protection was noted in frontal and side impact crash scenarios. The MG recorded a score of 82 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection. Results of AEB test scenarios were good for all except motorcyclists and in reversing situations (both marginal). For Safety Assist, the MG S5 EV achieved a score of 79 per cent. After a few disappointing crash test results for MG, 'the addition of this new five-star model is encouraging' said Ms Hoorweg.
NZ Autocar
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Four-star safety rating for Cupra Tavascan
The incoming Cupra Tavascan electric SUV that launches here later this year has received a four-star ANCAP safety rating. What prevented it from getting a five-star rating was the omission of traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter. The safety assist score slipped below the 70 per cent threshold, robbing it of the fifth safety star. The Cupra Tavascan performed well in the other key areas, however. In destructive crash testing, it recorded a score of 89 per cent for adult protection. A 'good' score was recorded in the frontal offset test for most body regions of driver and front seat passenger. The electric SUV excelled in the side impact test, earning maximum points and offering 'good' protection for all critical body regions of the driver. The oblique pole test produced similar results. A centre airbag provided 'good' protection to front seat occupants, on the whole. For Child Occupant Protection, the Tavascan scored 87 per cent. Full points were awarded for protection of both child dummies in the frontal offset and side impact crash tests. Tavascan also performed admirably in the Vulnerable Road User tests, with a score of 80 per cent. ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, said that the Cupra Tavascan performed well in crash tests, with 'strong structural performance'. Within the Vulnerable Road User Protection area, which considers the vehicle's ability to protect other road users, the Tavascan achieved a score of 80 per cent. Its AEB systems performed well. However, it lost points for not have AEB when reversing. Hoorweg concluded 'We encourage Cupra to consider an update …to elevate Tavascan to the five-star level of its European equivalents.'
