MG5 sedan and Mahindra Scorpio SUV get zero star ANCAP crash test score

A pair of budget focused vehicles have been slammed for extremely poor crash test results that are worse than any other new vehicle on sale.

Two cheap new cars have been slammed for poor safety.

Two new budget vehicles have been smashed with a zero-star safety rating after testers found they didn’t have safety features “that have been commonplace in new cars for many years”.

The MG5 sedan and Mahindra Scorpio 4WD were slapped with the horror results after extensive crash testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP boss Carla Hoorweg said the safety of the vehicles was “several generations” behind modern rivals.

“This is a stark reminder that not all cars offer the same level of safety – even when they’re brand new models,” she said.

The 2023 MG5 small sedan received a zero star ANCAP safety rating.

“Both brands have misjudged the safety expectations of today’s consumers.”

Both cars are priced to appeal to cost-conscious buyers who have been stung by big price rises across the car market in recent years.

The Chinese-sourced MG5 small sedan is priced at just $24,990 drive-away and the Indian Mahindra Scorpio four-wheel drive costs $41,990.

Crash results revealed the MG5 had substandard results for adult occupant protection, in particular chest and leg protection.

It also posed a serious threat to pedestrians if it struck them.

The MG5 sedan is one of the cheapest cars on sales, priced at $24,990 drive-away

Loading on the head and neck of the child dummies in the MG5 was significantly higher than seen in most current generation vehicles.

It also lacked driver aids such as lane-keep assist, which prevents a car from wandering out of its lane. Blind-spot warning and auto emergency braking were either limited or not available.

An MG Australia spokesman said the MG5 met all relevant Australian Design Rules (ADR) and it had worked closely with the Australian Government to bring the vehicle to market.

“The MG5 was certified and approved for sale in Australia and has met the (ADR) rules to be sold. The current MG5 is offered to the Australian market as an affordable car in the sedan segment,” he said.

The 2023 Mahindra Scorpio also received a zero star ANCAP safety rating.

“We are always striving to do the right thing by our customers in terms of affordability, form and function. Where and when possible, we will add improvements to our products for our models during their life cycle. In 2024, the MG5 will receive a safety pack upgrade which will increase the overall safety of this model in line with ANCAP’s rating system.”

Mahindra’s Scorpio fared slightly better than the MG5, recording good child occupant protection but poor adult passenger and pedestrian protection.

A lack of crash-avoidance tech also held it back.

A statement from Mahindra Australia said: “At Mahindra, we are dedicated to providing our customers with SUVs that are safe, authentic, and reliable. The Mahindra Scorpio stands as a strong testament to this commitment. At its launch, the Scorpio fully adhered to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), demonstrating our dedication to meeting rigorous standards while also excelling in robust 4x4 capabilities and steadfast reliability.”

Mahindra said it would be adding additional safety features during the vehicle’s mid-life update.

The Mahindra Scorpio is pitched as a rugged four-wheel drive.

MG has grown spectacularly in recent years, overtaking established brands to become one of the top 10 selling makes in the country.

Several of its vehicles, including the MG ZS small SUV and MG4 electric hatchback, have five-star ratings.

However, its popular MG3 small hatchback, the cheapest new car on sale in Australia, lacks crash avoidance tech despite being pitched at young drivers.

It has not been crash tested by ANCAP despite notching close to 30,000 sales in the past two years.

The Mahindra Scorpio has zero active driver aids and had poor adult occupant protection.

MG has sold close to 2000 units of the MG5 since it went on sale a few months ago. Mahindra does disclose its sales figures.

No other new car in Australia has a safety rating worse than the three-star ratings awarded to the Suzuki Jimny, Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler four-wheel drives and soon to be replaced Ford Mustang.

Originally published as MG5 sedan and Mahindra Scorpio SUV get zero star ANCAP crash test score