Nissan Magnite: Design Decode

If you’d have noticed, the Nissan Magnite has an essence of Datsun in its design. Here’s the history behind that

Update (02/12/2020): Nissan has launched the Magnite with prices beginning from Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Read more about it here.

Nissan recently took the wraps off the Magnite concept, an extremely important model for the carmaker in many aspects. In fact, this India-specific sub-4 metre SUV is a make-or-break car for the Japanese carmaker in the country. In the past few years, Nissan had become almost non-existent in India with almost zero new car launches.

Now though, it has started putting time, effort and attention into the Indian market as part of its broader global rejuvenation program. And the first product to hit showrooms under its revival strategy is the Magnite sub-4 metre SUV. Design is an important aspect of a product, even a deal breaker for many. A look at the concept shows that the carmaker has left no stone unturned. It looks butch, refreshing, and is sure to stand out if most of the concept’s design elements trickle down to the production version.

Looks Quite Familiar, Doesn’t It?

The design of the front-end looks a bit similar to Datsun’s latest design language. Don’t believe us? Well, here’s a picture of the recently launched Datsun redi-GO and the Magnite:

Seems a bit too familiar, right? The Magnite has a small piece of history associated with it.

Let’s Rewind

A rewind back in time reveals that Datsun, Nissan’s sub-brand, was planning to utilise the Magnite name for a sub 4-metre SUV. However, Nissan was shrinking operations and this included plans of shutting down the Datsun brand in select international markets, putting a halt on Datsun’s projects.

While Datsun is still present in India, introducing a product like the Magnite in a highly competitive and populous sub 4-metre segment wouldn’t have reaped volumes compared to Nissan, which has better brand recognition. Nissan was also looking for an India-specific product to make a mark. So now you know why the Nissan Magnite’s front-end looks similar to a Datsun.

Familiar Yet Refreshing

But the design has been well incorporated and the Magnite looks spot-on. Even the spied model looks like a carbon copy of the amazing looking concept. In fact, the ‘L’ shape DRLs along with the bold grille and sculpted bonnet give the front-end an imposing and intimidating look, which is something that customers would prefer. We particularly like those large, squared-off wheel arches and the butch body cladding. The rear-end also looks interesting with a tough bumper, a sculpted bootlid and split tail lamps. A tinge of sportiness has been infused with the addition of a rear spoiler. 

Will be an aggressively priced feature loaded SUV

Nissan will also pack it with features like a 360-degree camera, connected car tech and even possibly a sunroof. It is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that’ll be offered with both manual and automatic transmission options. All of this is expected at an attractive starting price of Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes, this is one car that could reap success, provided Nissan strengthens its after-sales network, brand positioning, and does aggressive marketing as it’s going to sit in a spot where there’ll be cut throat competition.

Also read: 5 Things We Know About The Nissan Magnite

Will It Be A Success?

While the Magnite began its life as a Datsun, we feel Nissan taking over this project was a step in the right direction. And the best part is that the production-spec Magnite retains many design elements from the concept. Now we just can't wait to see and drive the actual car.

What do you think about the Magnite? Will you buy it over its established rivals? Let us know in the comments below.