Nissan Reveals Kia Sonet-rivalling Magnite SUV; Launch Expected In Late November

The Magnite looks chic and packs in a turbo-petrol engine, taking aim at the likes of Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet

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

• It will make use of a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a CVT gearbox.

• The Triber’s naturally aspirated engine is also expected to be on offer.

• It gets premium features like wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a 360-degree camera.

• Expected to be priced between Rs 5.50 lakh and Rs 10 lakh (both ex-showroom).

Nissan has revealed the Magnite, an SUV that will compete in the sub-4 metre SUV space. It's been tasked with the revival of Nissan’s fortunes in India and from the looks of it, Nissan has a contender that’s sure to be noticed.

The Nissan Magnite looks chic with most of the concept’s design retained. The sleek LED projector headlamps, wide hexagonal grille, LED fog lamps, and aggressively styled L-shaped LED DRLs give the Magnite an imposing stance. The A-pillars are raked but the flattish-roof gives it a slightly boxy look. It has been rather tastefully done though, with soft lines on the profile of the car and an elegantly styled rear-end. Nissan has, however, given LED tail lamps a miss.

The engine options from Nissan are straightforward. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine in the Triber that makes 72PS/96Nm is expected to be on offer. The more interesting of the Magnite’s engine options is the 1.0-litre three-cylinder-turbocharged petrol unit expected to make 100PS and 152Nm of torque. It could be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. Nissan has confirmed that it will be offering a CVT as well with this engine. 

Nissan is also offering a heavy dose of features on the Magnite. It is expected to get auto climate control, push button start/stop, an 8-inch touchscreen that supports segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 360-degree camera. But alas, there’s no sunroof. Nissan is also expected to offer a ‘Tech Pack’ for the top-of-the-line variant of the Magnite. It will house a JBL audio system, ambient lighting, wireless charging, air purifier, and puddle lamps.

Safety will be taken care  by dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill assist, and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). It is surprising that the Magnite doesn’t get four airbags, like the Triber.

The Magnite has a huge task ahead of it, that of luring customers back to Nissan showrooms. The new SUV does make a point for itself with its looks and specs, but the ultimate test of the SUVs character will be down to its price. We expect Nissan to price it between Rs 5.50 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. In that price range, it will rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.