New Leaf gets top safety rating

The new Nissan Leaf has received the top five-star safety rating from the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP).

It scored 94.8 points out of a possible 100 for occupant safety in a collision.

JNCAP is organised by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid.

The Leaf comes with a host of advanced safety features. These include its highly rigid body structure, six SRS airbags, seats with enforced headrests and back frames, and seat belts with pre-tensioners and load-limiting capabilities for the front and rear outboard seating positions.

The Leaf also passed the JNCAP’s electric shock protection test. The test gauges how well electric vehicles protect occupants from electric shock in a collision. The car has a highly protective battery case, a layout and body structure that shield occupants from high-voltage parts, and a high-voltage cut-off device that activates in a collision.

Already on sale in Japan, the latest Leaf will be introduced new in more than 60 markets worldwide, including New Zealand and Australia by March next year.