Im very happy with the results that the micra produced. When we do fleet purchases we generally select from the EuroNCAP results because.. Well. Call a spade a spade, our own research has found the IIHS standards to be biased and flawed.
Considering how small the micra is, it really is built like a tank. Minimal intrusion to the cabin in all cases. The rear side curtain airbags could come down a smidge lower for glass protection, but then you run the risk of top impact onto carseats and smaller passengers- a 50/50 gamble on the automakers and Nissan has proved itself well.
Really, there isnt a current model nissan out there that doesn't meet our guidlines. They are all very safe vehicles. Think about it. A base micra comes with all the safety kit that the fully armed ones do. Nissan really doesnt put a price on your safety.
The big difference you might see is the absorbtion material at the impact zone- they are different materials. The crush block between them are different. In euro tests, the crush barrier is made from aluminum based materials where the J-ncap, ASEAN-Ncap and Latin NCap are all steel based. Euro NCAP barriers are also slightly lower.
The 60/40 test bases its speed at 64 km/h, equal force. Meaning that the car is propelled much faster to simulate the most devasting collision we can do, 40% surface area against another vehicle of similare mass and speed after hard braking. Just about anywhere, we travel at a higher velocity. Real world impacts are typically harder. What you hit (Ex,ford excursion vs. smart car) are going to have a bearing on the performance of the car in an accident.
Rest assured, there is no manufacturing differences based on continent factories- It would be to expensive to source out slightly cheaper materials and change all your stamping equipment accordingly to support another country. You build for the highest standard in that area you make for, set your stamping and tooling for it and go.
Is there a difference in materials between latin made micras vs euro made micras vs asean made micras- Most likely. A lot fo the plants will source materials locally. Even if its supposed to be say 1263 Grade steel, it might not exactly the same just because of what is avilible to the mill. It might meet that grade, or exceed it.
Last edited by Howie; 11-25-2014 at 02:55 PM.
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View my fuel log 2015 Micra S automatic: 7.9 L/100 km ... 35.7 mpg (Imp) ... 12.6 km/L ... 29.7 mpg (US) ...