Nissan Magnite Subcompact SUV

The Nissan Magnite is the first sub-4 metre SUV from the Japanese carmaker in India, and after showcasing the concept version earlier this year, the company has now finally brought in production-spec model. The new Magnite retains most of the bold design and styling characteristics of the concept car, and it offers a host of premium features as well.

The production-spec Magnite looks very similar to the concept car, especially front section which features the large hexagonal grille with chrome surrounds, a sculpted hood with muscular lines, sleek LED headlamps, and new L-shaped LED daytime running lamps among others.

The Magnite comes with a rugged persona, which is amplified by the tall hood-line, squared wheel arches with beefy cladding, the side skirts and the silver roof rails. The SUV also comes with a set of 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels and dual tone roof option.

At the rear, the new Magnite gets a wide C-pillar, with roof-mounted spoiler, muscular haunches, and a set of wraparound LED taillights. The tailgate also comes with a sculpted design, while the rear bumper comes with beefy cladding and a silver skid plate to complete the rugged look.

The cabin of Nissan Magnite is clean and minimalist. The all-black dashboard comes with hexagonal central air-con vents with silver bezels, and a stick-out infotainment display. There are some good quality toggle switches for in-car controls, while the special tray with engine start-stop button is same as the one in Renault Triber.

The Nissan Magnite also comes with a 7-inch all-digital instrument cluster looks slightly gimmicky, but it provides some useful information that will help you as a driver. Then there's a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and you can connect through Apple CarPlay as well as Android auto, and its also wireless so no need to use cables on the car. It will also come with a segment-first surround view camera, similar the one on the Nissan Kicks.

The Nissan Magnite will come with a 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, and it's the same motor that was showcased by its partner Renault India at the 2020 Auto Expo. Nissan will also offers the 1.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that does duty on the Triber.

The new turbo petrol engine will come mated to a CVT automatic transmission, however, there will be a manual version as well, possibly featuring a 6-speed unit. As for the naturally aspirated motor, Nissan is yet to confirm if along with the 5-speed manual, it will get the AMT option or not.

The Nissan Magnite is a make or break product for the carmaker, as it is set to enter a highly populated sub-4 metre SUV space, and it will go up against strong players like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza among others.