Nissan Magnite vs Rivals: Fuel Efficiency Comparison

The Magnite’s lack of power does allow for better fuel efficiency, but does that mean it is more frugal than its rivals?

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

The sub-compact SUV segment is due to get a couple more contenders in 2021, starting with the Nissan Magnite. Its engine specifications including the claimed fuel efficiency figures for all three powertrain options were recently revealed. Let’s see how the performance and mileage figures of the upcoming Nissan offering compare against its rivals.

Since the Magnite is a petrol-only offering, we’ll only be looking at the petrol variants of its rivals.

*iMT - Intelligent manual transmission (clutchless manual)

• Based on the ARAI certified mileage figures, the Nissan Magnite is the most frugal petrol offering in the sub-4m SUV segment. Its new turbo-petrol engine with the 5-speed manual gearbox promises to deliver 20kmpl.

• The second most efficient option is the automatic variant of the Maruti Vitara Brezza with a claimed mileage of 18.76kmpl. It uses mild-hybrid tech and features engine idle stop-start for higher efficiency.

• The Magnite’s 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which offers the least performance, is only just behind the Brezza automatic with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.75kmpl. 

• Hyundai and Kia’s shared powertrain options are the next highest rated in terms of claimed mileage, with all of them promising to deliver between 18 and 18.5 kmpl. However, the 1.2-litre petrol-manual in the Venue only promises 17.3kmpl. 

• The Ford EcoSport is the least fuel efficient sub-4m SUV on sale with the most powerful petrol engine. Its 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine claims to deliver 15.9kmpl with the manual gearbox and 14.7kmpl with the 6-speed torque convertor automatic.

• The Tata Nexon has a claimed mileage of 17.2kmpl for both manual and AMT variants with the petrol engine, which is still more efficient than the Brezza-manual.

• Mahindra’s sub-4m SUV is the second-least frugal in its segment with its single manual transmission option claiming a fuel efficiency rating of 17 kmpl.

The Nissan Magnite will be offered in five variants and the turbo-petrol engine option will be available from the one above base trim. In the better equipped variants, it gets segment-first features like a 360-degree camera and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is expected to be priced between Rs 5.50 lakh to Rs 9.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and is likely to launch in the last week of November 2020.