Both Japanese compact SUVs have a naturally aspirated petrol engine that comes with a 5-speed automated manual gearbox.
Published on Aug 28, 2025 08:00:00 AM
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Follow usThe lower-spec versions of the Nissan Magnite and Maruti Fronx are natural rivals, as both of these sub-four-metre SUVs come with a naturally aspirated engine option, along with an automated manual transmission (AMT) option. We see which budget Japanese compact SUV offers more performance through our exhaustive and accurate acceleration and braking tests.
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Magnite | Fronx | |
| Engine | 999cc, 3-cyl, petrol | 1197cc, 4 cyl, petrol |
| Power (hp) | 72 | 90 |
| Torque (Nm) | 96 | 113 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1019 | 975 |
| Power-to-weight (hp/tonne) | 70.66 | 92.31 |
| Torque-to-weight (Nm/tonne) | 94.21 | 115.90 |
| Price range (Rs, lakh) | 6.75-9.82 | 8.95-9.35 |
On paper, the Fronx AMT has a clear advantage as it gets a 198cc larger capacity engine, 18hp and 17Nm more output, and weighs 44kg less than the Magnite AMT. The difference in engine performance and weight means the Maruti compact SUV has far better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios, suggesting it will be quicker than the Nissan. It should be noted that Magnite AMT prices start far lower than those of the Fronx, though the top-spec, AMT-equipped Nissan compact SUV is priced higher than the Maruti.
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT 0-100kph acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Magnite | Fronx |
| 20 | 1.36 | 1.42 |
| 40 | 5.20 | 2.96 |
| 60 | 8.73 | 6.10 |
| 80 | 12.60 | 8.68 |
| 100 | 20.71 | 13.70 |
In our 0-100kph acceleration tests, the Magnite AMT has a lead until the 20kph mark, but then steadily falls behind the Fronx AMT. At 60kph, the time difference is a significant 2.63 seconds, and the Fronx’s lead increases to a massive 7.01 seconds by the time both cross the 100kph mark.
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT rolling acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Magnite | Fronx |
| 20-80 (in kickdown) | 10.65 | 7.45 |
| 40-100 (in kickdown) | 16.55 | 10.40 |
In the 20-80kph and 40-100kph rolling acceleration tests, the Fronx AMT is over 3 seconds and 6 seconds quicker, respectively, than the Magnite AMT. The Nissan’s AMT unit is significantly slower to shift, and the 72hp engine’s lack of punch is evident. It should be noted that both compact SUVs’ AMT units get a manual mode.
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT braking test results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Magnite | Fronx | |
| 80-0kph distance (m) | 31.75 | 32.18 |
| 80-kph time (seconds) | 2.69 | 4.13 |
Both of these Japanese compact SUVs come with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. While the Magnite comes to a halt from 80kph 1.44 seconds quicker than the Fronx, the Maruti is just 0.43 metres behind in terms of stopping distance.
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