Nissan had launched the India’s most affordable SUV in 2020, and as the only model available in their portfolio, it has generated good sales for the company averaging 2,500 unit sales a month. The Magnite is offered with some big and segment-first features which it’s safe to say no one would’ve expected to have making it a stand-out SUV in its class. We had the chance to take this car for a drive and in this article, we’re going to help you understand whether you should consider buying this affordable feature-loaded SUV or not. Let’s begin with this drive review!
The affordable SUV, Nissan Magnite looks quite modern, sharp, and boasts a tall stance with 205 MM Ground Clearance giving it a SUV look. Design highlights include sculpted C-pillar with contrasting black roof, big rear spoiler, chrome on door handles, the “Datsun” grille at the front with sides covered in chrome, sharp L-shape LED DRLs, creases all over the body, skid plate at the front, etc. From the side, you’ll notice the 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with chunky wheel arches along with claddings on the doors. Notably, you get sleek and sharp LED Dual-Projector Headlamps at the front, but Halogen Tail-lamps at the rear.
| Dimensions | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|
| Length | 3994 MM |
| Width | 1758 MM |
| Height | 1572 MM |
| Wheelbase | 2500 MM |
| Turning Radius | 5 M |
| Ground Clearance | 205 MM |
| Fuel tank | 40 L |
| Boot space | 336 L |
| Kerb Weight | 940 – 1053 KG |
On first glance, you’ll notice how simple the cabin looks. It’s an all-black theme inside with decent quality materials used to have the aggressive price advantage, and you know what, it doesn’t feel bad at all. The dashboard has 8-inch Infotainment System with Wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, Lamborghini Urus like AC vents, 3 round dials with mini-displays to control the AC, underneath that is little space equipped with wireless charging pad, 4-spoke steering wheel with 7-inch Digital Cluster behind, and leatherette seat upholstery.
The SUV boasts a wheelbase of 2500 MM, and despite being the narrowest model in the segment, it manages to offer ample of space. The seats are cushioned giving you the comfort you need when travelling for a longer period of time. The front seats provide good support holding you well in your place without any issues even when you enter or exit the SUV.
Rear seats are easily accessible thanks to the wider opening of the door for easy in and outs. The Rear Seats offers the passengers with good recline angle to ensure you don’t feel claustrophobic – plenty of legroom to stretch your legs, armrests and adjustable headrests available as well contributing towards your comfort. Moreover, there’s a 336 Litres Boot which is good in size compared to its rivals.
| Petrol | Nissan Magnite | |
| Engine | 1.0 L 3 Cylinder Petrol | 1.0 L 3 Cylinder Turbo Petrol |
| Drive-type | FWD | FWD |
| Power | 71.01 BHP | 98.69 BHP |
| Torque | 96 NM | 152 NM – CVT, 160 NM – MT |
| Transmission Choice | 5 Speed MT / AMT | 5 Speed MT, 5 Speed CVT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18.75 – 19.70 KMPL | 17.40 – 18.75 KMPL |
So, we drove the Nissan Magnite which was equipped with the 1.0 L 3 Cylinder Turbo Petrol engine delivering 98.69 BHP and 152 NM Torque mated to 5 Speed CVT Gearbox, and 160 NM Torque with the 5 Speed Manual. We drove with the CVT version and well here’s what we think. Power delivery from this engine with the CVT gearbox is linear which makes it capable for city-travelling purposes only.
Like every other CVT Transmission equipped cars, there’s the rubber band effect which refers to the lag and disconnect between the engine speed and vehicle acceleration during hard acceleration. It’s like the engine revs up with not much noticeable increase in speed. However, when you switch to Sport Mode, you immediately notice the shift in performance, and feel that response when revving up the engine.
Moving to the steering, it’s weighted well serving its purposes in City like easily manoeuvrable requiring less effort. However, at high speeds like 90+ KMPH, you start to feel weight and the vibrations on the steering wheel making it little harder manoeuvre from lane to other, or make a turn at high speeds.
Now, let’s talk about the ride and handling of the SUV. The Magnite is fitted with Mac Pherson strut with Lower Transverse link at the front and the Twin tube telescopic shock absorber at the rear. Result? It’s bit on the firm side and manages to absorb bumps with ease at good driving speed. However, when driving in mild traffic, or just cruising on road at lower speed, you’ll definitely feel the bumps, and potholes. Moreover, the noise from the suspension enters the cabin which isn’t as silent as one would expect it to work.
In the end, everyone wants to answer a simple question. Should we or should we not buy this SUV? Well, it depends like are you looking for an budget-friendly SUV with these amenities and performance along with good amount of space and comfort, tech-loaded, easy-to-drive, and who mostly want to drive in and around the city. It’s modern, and sharp exterior design along with a simplistic looking interiors, it’ll surely appeal to many people. With its aggressive pricing, it’ll continue to attract hordes of potential buyers despite tough competition from rivals.
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 6.73 L
1.0 L Petrol AMT – Rs. 7.57 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 8.06 L
1.0 L Petrol AMT – Rs. 8.57 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 8.25 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 8.93 L
1.0 L Petrol AMT – Rs. 9.44 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol MT – Rs. 10.45 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol CVT – Rs. 11.76 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 9 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol MT – Rs. 10.51 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol CVT – Rs. 12.04 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 9.23 L
1.0 L Petrol AMT – Rs. 9.74 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol MT – Rs. 10.74 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol CVT – Rs. 12.29 L
1.0 L Petrol MT – Rs. 9.79 L
1.0 L Petrol AMT – Rs. 10.20 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol MT – Rs. 11.12 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol CVT – Rs. 12.79 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol MT – Rs. 11.36 L
1.0 L Turbo Petrol CVT – Rs. 13.02 L
| Models | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Renault Kiger | Rs. 6.53 – Rs. 12.94 L |
| Nissan Magnite | Rs. 6.73 – Rs. 13.02 L |
| Maruti Fronx | Rs. 8.40 – Rs. 14..89 L |
| Toyota UC Taisor | Rs. 8.67 – Rs. 18.79 L |
| Hyundai Venue | Rs. 8.96 – Rs. 15.88 L |
| Tata Nexon | Rs. 8.98 – Rs. 18.64 L |
| Kia Sonet | Rs. 9 – Rs. 18.55 L |
| Maruti Brezza | Rs. 9.33 – Rs. 16.23 L |
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