The new rating is not just a pat on the back for Nissan, but a sign of what determined engineering can achieve in a short span. Global NCAP confirmed the updated Magnite scored 32.31 out of 34 for adult safety and 33.64 out of 49 for child safety, with key upgrades making the difference.
Nissan Magnite: Two airbags to six
Back in 2022, the Magnite came with just two airbags and a basic safety package. It scored 4 stars for adult safety and only 2 stars for child protection. That was before Global NCAP tightened its testing protocols. When reassessed under the stricter guidelines, the same car slipped to just 2 stars across the board.
Nissan, rather than brushing the result under the carpet, took action. The company added six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and enhanced crash structures. With these changes, the SUV moved up to 4 stars.
But that still wasn’t enough. In a rare move, Nissan went back to the drawing board once more. They tweaked restraint systems, added 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and included pedestrian protection features. That final set of changes pushed the Magnite to a full 5-star rating for adult protection.
Nissan Magnite: India vs South Africa
There’s a twist though. The rating applies to both India and South Africa, but with a small catch. The Indian version still doesn’t offer ESC as standard, while the South African model does. That version also comes with standard six airbags, pedestrian-friendly design updates, and added structural reinforcements.
Interestingly, this makes the Magnite the first vehicle sold in South Africa to earn a 5-star adult safety rating under Global NCAP’s updated testing regime — a title that adds weight to the brand’s presence there.
Nissan Magnite: What’s still missing?
While the adult rating is impressive, child occupant safety remains at 3 stars, which is decent but not groundbreaking. Rear seatbelt reminder and ISOFIX anchorage improvements could help lift this number in future updates.
The Global NCAP test now includes frontal and side impact assessments, ESC checks, and tests for pedestrian protection and side pole impact resistance. The Magnite’s improved structure and restraint systems helped it pass most of these with confidence.
GNCAP: this is what progress looks like
Global NCAP’s CEO said this upgrade shows what’s possible when manufacturers take crash safety seriously. Nissan’s decision to voluntarily resubmit the Magnite twice with improvements at every stage reflects a rare commitment, especially in the affordable SUV segment.
The Automobile Association of South Africa also acknowledged the move, calling it a “positive step” for consumers and noting that the Magnite is Nissan’s best-selling car in the region.