Land Transport NZ is now
part of the NZ Transport Agency
www.nzta.govt.nz
Accessibility | Help | Site index | Contact us
Front side airbags
The tested model of Mitsubishi Magna was introduced in 2003.
Dual front airbags and side (thorax) airbags are standard equipment on all variants. ABS brakes are also standard. A "rest reminder" and speed alarm are provided in the trip computer. Doors automatically unlock in a front or side crash.
The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. These seat belts also have load limiters. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point seat belt.
The Mitsubishi Magna scored 10.71 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well except for dash and footwell intrusion. Protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver.
The vehicle scored 11.49 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. Although the side airbag deployed protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver.
Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4pts, chest 2.29pts, upper legs 3pts, lower legs 1.42pts.
The passenger compartment held its shape reasonably well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 77mm and upwards 26mm relative to the driver's seat. The dash moved 123mm towards the driver. The steering wheel hub moved rearwards 53mm, upwards 36mm and sideways 12mm, relative to the driver's seat. The front ("A") pillar moved 88mm rearwards. The width of the driver's doorway shortened by 74mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash tools were required to open the rear door, which prevented the driver's door from being opened.
The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Steering column components were potential sources of injury for the driver's left leg. The ignition switch was a concern for the right knee but this did not affect the score. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.
Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4pts, chest 0.42pts, abdomen 3.07pts, pelvis 4pts.
Although the side airbag deployed in the crash, protection from serious chest injury was marginal.
The vehicle was not eligible for a Pole Impact Test since it did not have head-protecting side airbags. This test can earn eligible vehicles an extra two points.

Pole Test: Not eligible
Seat belt reminders: Not eligible
Head: No deduction
Chest: No deduction
Upper leg: Conc. loading 1pt deduction L
Lower leg: No deduction
Foot score: Score 4 points
3.76 points out of 36
Child head impacts 1.76pts; adult head impacts 0 pts; upper leg 0 pts and lower
leg impacts 2pts.
*Note: (vX.X) refers to the version of test protocol
Page created: 12 November 2003