Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger score 4-star GNCAP safety rating

The Global NCAP has just tested four more Indian cars under its Safer Cars For India initiative. Among the new models tested are the popular Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger compact SUVs. We break down the SUVs' safety scores below.

In the latest round of tests, the GNCAP also tested the Honda City (fourth-gen) and Honda Jazz, both of which also secured a 4-star adult occupant safety rating.

• Both SUVs scored 4-stars in adult occupant protection
• Their child occupant protection score was 2-stars

Nissan Magnite GNCAP crash test rating

The Magnite has found a lot of success in the Indian market since it was launched in 2020, thanks to its aggressive pricing, lengthy features list and good packaging. However, its safety rating has been something many buyers have been waiting for.

The Magnite received a 4-star rating in the adult occupant protection test, scoring 11.85 points out of a possible 17. However, it failed to perform as well in its child occupant protection test, as it received a 2-star rating, scoring 24.88 points out of a possible 49.

Testers rated the Magnite’s bodyshell and footwell area as stable after the crash test, though the protection provided to the driver’s chest and knees was marginal. The child occupant protection rating suffered as the base-spec Magnite tested did not have any ISOFIX anchor points for a child seat and securing them with the three-point seatbelts resulted in excessive forward movement.

Renault Kiger GNCAP crash test rating

Given that the Kiger shares its platform and many mechanical components with the Nissan Magnite, it isn’t a surprise that it received a similar safety rating. In the adult occupant protection test, the Kiger also obtained a 4-star rating, though it marginally outperformed the Magnite by scoring 12.34 points out of 17. However, despite its 2-star rating in the child occupant protection test, the Kiger scored slightly lower than the Magnite – 21.05 points out of 49.

Oddly enough, the testers noted that the Kiger’s bodyshell was unstable and not capable of withstanding further load. Its footwell area was rated stable, while the level of protection offered to adults was similar to the Magnite. Though the Kiger has ISOFIX child seat anchoring points in the rear, it ended up losing points in the child occupant protection test as they were unmarked and covered up by seat fabric, making them hidden from regular customers. Hence, the child seat was only secured by the three-point seat belt in the test, which led to excessive forward movement.