In a significant leap forward for automotive safety, the Made-in-India Nissan Magnite has achieved a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest round of crash tests conducted by Global NCAP under its updated protocol. This marks a dramatic improvement for the subcompact SUV, which had earlier secured only a 2-star rating under the same testing regime.
The Journey from 2 to 5 Stars
The Nissan Magnite was first crash-tested by Global NCAP in 2022 and received 4 stars for adult protection and 2 stars for child safety, under the previous testing protocol. At the time, the vehicle was equipped with only two airbags and lacked several advanced safety features.
The car was reassessed under Global NCAP’s new and more stringent protocol, which includes side impact tests and additional safety benchmarks. The initial outcome was disappointing, with the Magnite scoring just 2 stars. However, Nissan responded proactively, voluntarily resubmitting the Magnite for reassessment not once, but twice.
Improvements That Made the Difference
Following the initial low score, Nissan introduced several critical safety upgrades. The first round of changes included six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC), improving the vehicle’s safety score to 4 stars.
Not satisfied, the company continued refining the Magnite’s safety systems. A second round of upgrades followed, introducing enhanced restraint systems, pedestrian protection features, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. These measures finally pushed the vehicle to the coveted 5-star adult protection rating, along with 3 stars for child occupant protection.
The car scored 32.31 out of 34 for adult safety and 33.64 out of 49 for child safety. The ratings apply to both India and South Africa, as well as countries where the right-hand drive Magnite is sold. The Magnite offers ESC, structural reinforcements, six airbags and a pedestrian-friendly front-end design as standard.
A First for South Africa
The Magnite also becomes the first vehicle sold in South Africa to achieve a 5-star safety rating under Global NCAP’s latest testing regime. This represents a major milestone for both Nissan and the region’s consumers, highlighting the growing importance of vehicle safety across global markets.
Conclusion
Nissan’s safety journey with the Magnite—from 2 stars to 5—demonstrates how swift and focused engineering changes can lead to tangible improvements. As crash testing protocols evolve, this move is expected to set a benchmark for other manufacturers operating in both domestic and international markets.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated, “We are delighted to receive a 5-star safety rating for the Made In India New Nissan Magnite. Safety remains at the core of our engineering philosophy, and this reflects our dedication to providing our customers with secure, reliable, and technologically advanced and safe vehicles.”
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