The Made-in-India Nissan Magnite has achieved a 5-star safety rating in the latest Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), conducted under the updated protocol. It becomes the first Nissan model in South Africa to score a full safety rating under these new testing standards. The subcompact SUV scored 32.31 points out of 34 in the adult occupant protection (resulting 5 stars) and 33.64 points out of 49 in child occupant protection (earning 3 stars).
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From 2 to 5 Stars:
Just so you know, the Nissan Magnite was first subjected to the GNCAP in 2022. At that time, under the older protocol, it secured 4 stars for adult and 2 stars for child occupant protection. The model tested by GNCP was equipped with dual airbags.
Under the new Global NCAP protocol, the Magnite initially managed to score only 2 stars in adult occupant protection. In response, Nissan voluntarily submitted the model for reassessment, this time upgrading it with six airbags and ESC. With the improved safety, it scored 4 stars.
Unsatisfied with the result, the Japanese carmaker resubmitted the Magnite for a second reassessment with further upgrades such as three-point seatbelts for all passengers, pedestrian protection features and improved restraint systems. With all these safety upgrades, the Nissan Magnite finally received a 5 star rating for adult and 3 stars for child occupant protection.
Safety Features:
The tested model was equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) and 6 airbags as standard, meeting Global NCAP’s requirements. It also complies with UN127 pedestrian protection regulation. The latest GNCAP safety rating of the Magnite is applicable to both the India-spec and South Africa-spec models. However, the India-spec version currently misses out on the ESC.
Nissan Magnite Global NCAP Results Explained
Adult Occupant Protection
In the frontal impact test, the Magnite provided good protection to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck. It also offered good protection to driver’s chest, while the passenger’s chest production was rated as adequate. The results showed good and adequate protection for driver’s and passenger’s knees and tibias, respectively. The body shell was rated as stable and it was capable of withstanding further loadings. The footwell area was also rated as stable.
In the side impact test, the compact SUV showed good protection for head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. In the side pole impact, it offered good protection for head, abdomen and pelvis and adequate protection for the chest.
Child Occupant Protection
In the frontal impact test, tthe child seat for the 3-year-old was installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg and it was not able to prevent head contact with the interior of the car during the frontal impact. The child seat for the 18-month-old was installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg and it was able to prevent head exposure during the frontal impact however chest performance was slightly below a good protection.
In the side impact test, the CRS for the 18 month old offered full side impact protection, but the CRS for the 3 year old showed head exposure, bringing the side head protection score to zero.
