The driver of the 30-year-old Mitsubishi Magna sedan could face serious, non-life-threatening injuries in a crash. This assessment comes from ANCAP, the Australian crash-testing body that evaluated the right-hand drive vehicle and shared footage of the tests. ANCAP’s review emphasizes how safety performance from decades ago compares with today’s standards and why ongoing improvements in vehicle design matter for every driver on the road.
According to ANCAP, the Magna was judged to be reasonably safe by 1993 standards, yet it falls short of contemporary safety requirements. Crash test findings indicate a high risk of skull fracture and traumatic brain injury for the driver, along with potential injuries to the legs, pelvis, and chest caused by the force of impact when the steering wheel is struck. The results highlight how components such as restraint systems and interior design influence outcomes in real-world crashes. The absence of an airbag in this model further compounds the risk, underscoring how modern protection features can dramatically alter injury patterns in a crash scenario.
For rear passengers, the safety profile raises additional concerns. Correct seat belt usage is crucial, but the tests suggest an increased risk of abdominal injuries if seat belt positioning or restraint fit is not optimal. This is a reminder that passenger safety depends not only on vehicle structure but also on proper belt use and ergonomic seating arrangements. The Magna, as tested, did not incorporate airbags, a feature that today is standard in most family vehicles and plays a pivotal role in reducing injury severity across the seating positions.
Elsewhere in the safety dialogue, researchers and safety advocates often examine how older designs inform current standards. The Magna’s results illustrate the evolution of vehicle safety and the importance of continuous improvement in crashworthiness, crash-avoidance technology, and occupant protection. Contemporary discussions emphasize how modern cars use multiple restraints, advanced airbag systems, active safety features, and stronger structural elements to better protect both drivers and passengers in frontal and side impacts. This context helps explain why regulators and manufacturers push for ever-tighter safety targets and why consumers benefit when they choose vehicles with up-to-date protective measures. These points also align with ongoing industry reviews that compare legacy designs with today’s safer options for families at risk on busy roads. In the broader story of vehicle safety, the Magna’s test findings serve as a historical touchstone, illustrating the progress that has been made and the work that remains to reduce injuries in real-world crashes. Per reporting on the ANCAP evaluation, the message remains clear: modern safety expectations are higher, and the bar continues to rise as new materials, sensor systems, and engineering tactics come into play.