Mahindra XUV 500 is one of the most popular models introduced by the largest Utility Vehicle (UV) maker of India as it shattered all records for bookings in the country. Post launch, the car set a booking record of 7200 units in just 5 days in the domestic market and is now headed for foreign markets as the company's global SUV. The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has passed a crash test conducted by Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). Along with this, the model also received all the essential certifications, thus getting the green signal for its launch in Australia by the end of June 2012.
Mahindra XUV 500 delivered acceptable performance in the crash test and, thus, was awarded the 4 star safety ratings. Out of total 37 points in the test, the model earned 26, which included 10 points from 16 for front collision and full 16 points for side impact. Reportedly, it lost points as it ended up losing its structural integrity at the time of frontal crash and the guard for driver’s leg was also poor because of extreme backward movement of the braking pedal.
During the test, the fuel line of XUV 500 also cracked and the exhaust pipe touched the fuel tank, though the latter was not ruptured due to this impact. The company has come up with a new software upgrade which will get rid of the safety concerns with the tail gate, which tends to open in case of collision. Mahindra made many alterations in its model to acquire the prestigious four star ANCAP rating in the Australian auto market.
It is mandatory for every all-wheel-drive vehicle to satisfactorily pass the ANCAP test if the manufacturer wants to launch the model in the country. As a part of the standard package, the XUV 500 to be sold in Australia will have features like Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), dual frontal as well as side airbags and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). In order to ensure a favourable response for the model in American and Australian markets, M&M is also working on a petrol motor and an automatic gearbox.
