The facelifted Nissan Magnite, which was launched in India on October 4, has been the latest offering from the Japanese carmaker, which has been largely relying on this sole model’s success since it was first introduced in end-2020, to stay afloat in a challenging Indian market.
The Magnite, which disrupted the entry-level SUV segment with its highly aggressive pricing that offers solid value, has managed to sway buyers away from both hatchback and compact-SUV segments, and brought buyers into the Nissan fold.
Since its launch in December 2020 till end-September 2024, the Nissan Magnite has registered total wholesales of 156,251 units, comprising 119,253 units in the domestic market and 36,998 units exported. The Magnite’s best year was FY2022 when 33,905 units were sold in the Indian market.
However, with plateauing sales amidst a flurry of new launches in the Rs 5-10 lakh segment over the last three years, Nissan Motor India has refreshed the Magnite to retain its ground until it widens its portfolio with newer models in the compact- and mid-size SUV segments by end-2026, under its Nissan Arc strategy.
MY2024 Nissan Magnite: Same price but new upgrades
The 2024 Magnite continues to play the value card with an unchanged starting price tag of Rs 599,0000, ex-showroom, despite Nissan having upped the ante in several aspects, particularly in safety, with the car now coming equipped with six airbags as standard across the range. An indirect TPMS, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, as well as hill-start assist form the additional standard safety kit on board.
The facelifted Magnite also gets few cosmetic tweaks on the outside, including a revised front fascia with a new blackened element on the grille that gives it a more mature look, faux skid plates, newly-styled 16-inch alloy wheels, and clear wraparound tail lamps with LED inserts.
On the inside, Nissan has attempted to improve upon the Magnite’s built-to-a-cost perception with tan-coloured leatherette inserts on the dashboard and door pads, as well as introduced an auto-dimming IRVM to the top-spec trim. The font of the all-digital 7-inch instrument cluster has also been recalibrated to offer a more upmarket feel to the driver.
While some other changes such as the elimination of pull-type door locks on the door pads, as well as NVH enhancement by virtue of introducing noise-insulating window glasses, have also been incorporated, the overall cabin ambience remains somewhat budget-grade, with several squeaks and rattles easily audible inside the car. The Magnite also misses upon a sunroof, which is emerging as a highly sought-after features among aspiring Indian car buyers.
The Magnite’s 8-inch floating touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities, however, the screen resolution leaves a lot to be desired in terms of its legibility in harsh sun. Moreover, the system is also devoid of an auto attenuation function when the car is put into reverse, thus, demanding the driver to lower the volume for undertaking safe reversing manoeuvres. The doors do not auto-lock at speed, neither do the ORVMs fold automatically when the car is locked.
Mechanically, the Magnite continues to remain unchanged in its latest avatar, and offers two drivetrain options – a 1.0-litre, 72hp, naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT, or a 1.0-litre, 100hp, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, with choices of a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The CVT continues to be a strong USP of the Magnite, making it differentiate itself from a sea of AMT-equipped cars in its price bracket.
The CVT variant continues to offer quick performance, good balance of driving dynamics and ride quality, as well as fuel efficiency. However, the brakes feel spongy and the vibrations from the three-cylinder engine are prominent from the word go when the car is slotted into ‘D.’ The CVT also offers an ‘L’ mode to hold the engine revolutions to enable easier gradeability on inclines.
Overall, the refreshed Magnite comes across as an extremely competent, well-rounded package, which can offer a tough fight to similarly-priced hatchbacks, and gain advantage of the ongoing market transition towards SUVs with its large proportions and 205mm ground clearance. While the updated Magnite would give a boost to slowing Nissan sales in India, it is up to the company to strengthen its brand in the country by riding on the Magnite’s momentum, and elevate its perception among discerning Indian car buyers.
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