Nissan Magnite Achieves 5-Star Safety Rating in Global NCAP Crash Tests

The Nissan Magnite has joined the list of made-in-India vehicles to earn a prestigious 5-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). The subcompact SUV achieved top marks for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), making it a significant upgrade over its earlier safety performances.

Third Time’s the Charm: Improved Crash Test Results

This was Nissan's third attempt at crash testing the Magnite under GNCAP protocols. Initially, the model scored 2 stars each for adult and child safety under the older GNCAP evaluation system. At the time, the SUV was equipped with just two standard airbags.

Subsequently, in the second round of testing, the Magnite was assessed under revised protocols with six airbags, achieving a 4-star rating for both AOP and Child Occupant Protection (COP).

In the most recent evaluation, the Magnite has not only maintained its structural integrity but also scored 5 stars for adult protection, while receiving 3 stars for child safety.

Crash Test Scores: Strong Adult Safety, Mixed Child Safety

Under the latest crash test protocols, the Nissan Magnite scored:

• 32.31 out of 34 points for Adult Occupant Protection

• 33.64 out of 49 points for Child Occupant Protection

While adult safety performance improved significantly, the child safety score slightly dipped compared to previous assessments.

Key Safety Enhancements in the Magnite Facelift

Much of the credit for the improved safety rating goes to the mid-cycle facelift introduced by Nissan in late 2023. This update brought in several critical safety enhancements across all variants, including:

• Six airbags as standard

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Enhanced pedestrian protection features

• Improved restraint systems

• Three-point seat belts for all passengers

These upgrades helped the Magnite meet more rigorous crash safety standards, contributing to its improved GNCAP rating.

Indian-Made Prototype Tested in South Africa

Interestingly, the crash-tested prototype was a unit manufactured in India but sold in the South African market. This emphasizes the global relevance of the vehicle’s safety performance and demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in producing export-ready, high-safety standard vehicles.

Global NCAP Protocols and Testing Procedures

The Global NCAP evaluates vehicles based on a range of crash tests and safety criteria. These include:

• Frontal offset crash test

• Side impact crash test

• Side pole impact test

• Pedestrian protection assessment

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) effectiveness

To achieve a 5-star rating, a car must perform well across all these dimensions. The Nissan Magnite’s body shell was rated as stable in both its second and third evaluations, indicating strong structural integrity.

Child Seat Performance in Crash Testing

While the adult protection performance was excellent, the child protection results were slightly mixed. In the frontal impact test:

• The 3-year-old dummy, seated in a rearward-facing child seat with ISOFIX and a support leg, suffered head contact with the interior—resulting in a point deduction.

• The 18-month-old dummy, also in a rearward-facing ISOFIX-equipped seat, was better protected, with no head contact observed. However, the score was slightly lowered due to the chest protection rating falling just below the threshold of “good.”

Industry Reactions and CEO Statement

Commenting on the achievement, Richard Woods, CEO of Global NCAP, said:

“It’s very welcome to see Nissan’s focus on improving the Magnite’s safety performance. The five-star rating is relevant to consumers in South Africa and India and it demonstrates what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time when a manufacturer is fully committed to engage in the NCAP process.”

Conclusion

The Nissan Magnite’s 5-star rating under the Global NCAP crash test is a testament to Nissan’s commitment to enhancing vehicle safety for global markets. With improved safety features and structural reinforcements, the Magnite stands out as one of the safest subcompact SUVs made in India. This achievement not only strengthens its appeal among Indian buyers but also showcases the growing safety standards of India’s automotive industry on a global stage.