For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the base variants of 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- 2024 Mahindra XUV700 vs MG Hector – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these models be considered the best cars with safety features in India? How have they fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.
What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space?
For safety-focused buyers, a car loaded with protective features is the top priority. They want a variant with maximum safety kit like airbags, ABS, stability/traction control, hill hold, disc brakes all around etc. A sturdy body structure, high safety ratings in crash tests, and advanced driving aids also appeal greatly.
Reliable high-speed handling and stability inspire confidence too. Horsepower, fancy features and price are secondary for these consumers as long as their variant choice offers robust life-saving equipment.
Why 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector are popular
Both the 2024 XUV700 and Hector score highly on safety but the Mahindra edges ahead slightly. All XUV700 variants get essentials like up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill hold, disc brakes all around as standard. A 5-star GNCAP crash test rating plus ADAS tech on higher variants provide unmatched occupant protection.
The Hector isn’t far behind with standard dual airbags, ABS, electronic stability program etc. across all variants too. A solid 5-star GNCAP rating endorses its stability and body strength. For the safety-focused buyer, the XUV700’s widespread safety options especially ADAS features and class-leading crashworthiness give it a marginal lead over the MG’s already robust safety standards.
2024 Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector base variants in Rs 14-15 lakh range
For 2024 Mahindra XUV700, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 February 2024 |
| MX | ₹14.03 lakhs |
| MX (E) | ₹14.53 lakhs |
For MG Hector, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 February 2024 |
| 1.5 Turbo Style | ₹15.0 lakhs |
Mahindra XUV700 MX
The base MX itself packs in essentials like 2 airbags, ABS, stability control, disc brakes all around, hill hold assist etc. Meets all fundamental safety needs. If you’re looking for a family car, you can check out our comparison of the 2024 XUV700 with Hyundai Alcazar.
Mahindra XUV700 MX (E)
The MX E adds side and curtain airbags plus electronic stability program over the MX at reasonable premium. Significant extra protection. If you’re looking for value for money cars, you can check out our comparison of the 2024 XUV700 with Tata Safari 2023.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style
The Style variant offers ample safety kit like 2 airbags, ABS, cruise control, traction control system, rear parking camera etc. Well protected for this segment. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Hector with Kia Seltos 2023.
Our Pick for the Best variant among 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector for Safety conscious buyers
The Mahindra XUV700 MX (E) variant priced at ₹14.53 lakhs is the best choice for safety-conscious buyers. Its widespread protective equipment coupled with class-leading crashworthiness give it an edge.
With fundamentals like 2 airbags, ABS, stability/traction systems covered, the MX (E) further adds segment-first tech like ADAS with lane keep assist, high beam assist etc. Its side & curtain airbags boost tally to 6 which still beats the competition. This extremely well-equipped variant leaves little to be desired safety-wise even in base form.
In contrast, the MG Hector Style lacks more advanced assistance tech present in the XUV700. Equipment like lane keep assist, auto emergency braking do not feature in the Hector even in top variants while available from base in Mahindra.
Lastly, the XUV700’s commanding 5-star GNCAP crash test rating, highest for an Indian car reassures buyers of class-topping collision protection missing in the Hector.
For someone who prioritizes a car’s capability to save lives above all else, the abundantly equipped and over-engineered safe XUV700 MX (E) clearly beats the Hector. Undisputedly India’s safest car currently.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Mahindra XUV700 MX (E)
- MG Hector Style
- Mahindra XUV700 MX
| Attribute | Mahindra XUV700 MX (E) | MG Hector Style | Mahindra XUV700 MX |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 14.53 | 15 | 14.03 |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | No |
| GNCAP rating | 5-star | 5-star | 5-star |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The XUV700 MX (E) variant clearly leads the pack with its widespread airbags, ADAS features and class-best 5-star GNCAP crashworthiness. It offers unrivaled occupant protection, surpassing any car on sale currently in India. Absolute peace of mind.
- At ₹15 lakhs, the Hector Style still packs segment fundamentals like 2 airbags, stability program, rear camera etc. Combined with the MG’s sterling GNCAP rating, it promises robust safety standards for the price point.
- For someone unwilling to stretch the budget but expecting non-negotiable safety, the XUV700 MX makes a case too. While missing out on some advanced features, dual airbags, ABS, hill hold etc. as standard still elevate it over the ordinary. Again, that 5-star crash score reassures.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.