The Nissan Magnite has been turning heads since its debut, promising a blend of comfort, features, and design. In this review, we explore the key aspects of the Magnite to discover what makes this compact SUV stand out in the crowded compact SUV market.
Nissan Magnite is offered with two engine options. You can choose between the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Turbo Petrol Engine. The Naturally Aspirated engine produces 53kW power and 96Nm of torque. The Turbo engine can produce 74kW power and 160Nm of torque.
The Naturally Aspirated engine can reach a top speed of 150 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 16 seconds. The specs of this engine clearly show that it’s not a driver’s car. This engine is suitable for those who are willing compromise on performance but need an affordable car with enough drive comfort.
However, the turbo engine has a top speed of 173 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds. This engine could be a great choice for drivers looking for adequate performance and driving please at an affordable price.
The Magnite is offered with FWD powertrain and you can choose between a 5-speed manual, AMT and a CVT transmission.
The Nissan Magnite features a distinctive and bold design, particularly for a subcompact SUV. The exterior styling includes various modern elements, and it aims to make a strong visual impact. The front end is characterised by a bold grille with chrome accents and the Nissan logo. It also features sleek and angular LED headlights and DRLs. Moreover, the aggressive bumper design complements the sculpted lines. The Magnite comes equipped with 16-inch steel wheels in the base variant and 16-inch alloy wheels in the higher variants.
The dashboard of the Nissan Magnite looks quite modern and ergonomic. It also features a digital instrument cluster with essential information, including speed, fuel level, RPM, and other information about the vehicle. Steering-mounted controls are also offered in the higher variants with cruise control as well. You can also find a centre armrest and plenty of storage spaces in the vehicle. Overall, the cabin feels spacious and comfortable, so you may consider this car for your long commute. However, the rear seat may feel quite uncomfortable when travelling with five occupants. The company offers a boot space of 356-litres with this car which is a little less than usual for the segment.
The Magnite features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. It also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The overall UI of the screen is simple and basic. Don't expect much from the display, but it does have the essential features.
From a safety perspective, the Nissan Magnite is offered with dual front airbags, providing protection to the driver and front passenger. The range of safety features also includes ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESC, Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, Rear Parking Camera, and Traction Control.
The market for subcompact SUVs in South Africa is very crowded and there are several good offerings from multiple brands in this segment. So, if you are considering a Magnite as your next ride then you may also explore options such as Renault Kiger, Citroen C3, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, and Hyundai Venue.
The entry level Magnite 1.0 Visia MT starts at R227,900, while the range topping Magnite 1.0T is available for R358,800. (Prices correct at time of publication.)
The Nissan Magnite is a compelling option in the competitive compact SUV market. Its eye-catching design, spacious interior, advanced features, and strong emphasis on safety make it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable car at an affordable price.
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