Latest Update: Nissan has finally launched the Magnite SUV at a start price of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom India). To know more about it, click here.
Since the implementation of the BS6 norms, Nissan has the only Kicks SUV for sale in the country and that too is performing below the average in terms of sales. All these things laid us to think whether Nissan will be able to survive in India or will say goodbye to the market as the Chevrolet did in past. But the Japanese manufacturer has finally guaranteed its presence in Indian market by unveiling the production version of its most anticipated car, the Magnite SUV.
Nissan Magnite – Design
Nissan Magite has an energetic appearance. It features sharp and sleek elements, giving it an aggressive look. It gets a Datsun-like octagonal grille, instead of Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, indicating the fact that the Magnite was supposed to come with a Datsun badging, but the plan was dropped later because of the not-so-well established image of the brand in the market.
Magnite's huge grille comprises blacked-out elements with Nissan's logo and is surrounded by heavy chrome trims on the sides. Its bonnet has sharp contours which adds bulk to the front profile. Further, both front and rear bumpers with silver-finished skid plates, adding to the sportiness of the SUV.
Some of its design elements seem to take inspiration from existing Nissan-group cars i.e. its sleeker sweptback headlamp profile (bi-projector LED units), raked A-pillar and upright profile remind off Nissan Kicks and similar L-shaped LED DRLs have also been seen in entry-level Datsun Redi-go hatchback.
From the side, Magnite has a Kicks like crossover silhouette. It feels robust thanks to the chunky cladding around the wheel arches and at the base of the doors, furnishing a rugged utility vehicle sense. Besides, to add a touch of premium quotient to the brawny appeal of the car, Nissan has chrome garnished the door handles and underlining of the windows.
The Nissan Magnite stands on 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (wrapped in 195/60 section tyres) that look similar to the one previewed in the concept model. It boasts a large ground clearance of 205mm. Just like the Renault Triber, It also gets silver roofrails with a load-carrying capacity of up to 50kg.
The model we get was finished in a dual-tone paint scheme and the colour/paint quality was just amazing. It really looks rich, especially in Red & Black scheme.
At the rear, its sharp and upright design continues to overwhelm. It features wide split taillamps which unfortunately aren't LED units. The neat tailgate design with “Magnite” lettering, thick cladding on the rear bumper and contrast spoiler supplements the overall styling of the SUV.
Dimensions
The Nissan Magnite is based on the Renault-Nissan’s CMF-A+ platform. The same platform also underpins the 7-seater Renault Triber.
Nissan hasn't revealed its all dimensions yet but the brand has revealed that it has an unladen ground clearance of 205mm and a boot capacity of 336 litres which is substantially large for the sub-compact segment.
Interior & Features
As you enter the cabin, the Magnite's cabin will give you a bit similar feel to the Triber despite it features an all-black theme.
The dashboard design of the Magnite is neat and clean. It sports Lamborghini Urus-like hexagonal air-con vents, rotary knobs for the climate control system with in-built readouts and 8" touch screen infotainment system that is inclined towards the driver. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity support along with connected car technology.
It also gets a 360-degree camera (first time in the segment) to help you out in tight parking spaces. However, the camera feed/quality is questionable.
Another interesting bit is the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster with games like animation/graphics. The display is crisp and feels nice to look at.
The centre console tunnel layout of the car is quite similar to the Triber. It features push engine start/stop button and charging ports. It also gets wireless charging pad as part of the tech pack along with ambient lighting and puddle lamps.
It gets fabric upholstery which is quite decent and the fabric touch is extended to the door pads which feels quite nice.
Other notable features of Nissan Magnite includes 6-speaker music system, automatic climate control, rear AC vents with 12V charging socket, steering mounted audio controls with leather-wrapping, height-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry, air purifier, cruise control, front & rear armrest, adjustable front/rear headrests (x4) and 60:40 split rear seat (not flat-folding).
Overall, the interior of the Nissan Magnite feels good and it is quite loaded. However, the plastic quality of the cabin is average and par with the Maruti Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser. It doesn't feel premium when compared to the other cars of the segment like Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV300.
Safety Features
The Nissan Magnite will get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat belt reminder and high-speed alert system as standard. Apart from these basic safety features, the higher trims will also get traction control, hill assist, vehicle dynamics control (VDC), multiple airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat and 360-degree surround camera.
What’s Missing?
Well, nothing much. The new Nissan SUV is comprising almost all the whistles and the bells. However, compared to the other cars of the segment it doesn't get a sunroof, front parking sensors, leatherette upholstery, cooled seats and dual-zone climate control.
Nissan Magnite – Powertrain Options
Nissan hasn't officially declared engine specifications yet but we expect the Magnite will get two engine options – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol (like the Triber) and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Both engines are expected to be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the turbo-petrol engine is likely to get the option of a CVT automatic transmission as well.
Nissan Magnite – Expected Launch & Competitors
The Nissan Magnite SUV is expected to launch in early 2021 and we expect its base price to start around Rs 5.5 lakh. One launched, it will rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Tata Nexon, Honda WR-V, Mahindra XUV300, Toyota Urban Cruiser and its upcoming cousin, Renault Kiger.
Verdict
All hopes of Nissan rests on the Magnite SUV. Therefore, the company has left no stone unturned to make it a desirable product. It is well styled, quite loaded with features and offers great cabin space. But in the end, everything depends upon the price and product marketing. If reports are to be believed, the Nissan Magnite will be the most affordable SUV in its segment.
