- Latest teaser gives glimpse of Magnite’s front styling
- Headlight design links the Magnite to the larger Kicks
- India launch only expected in January 2021
Nissan has released a new teaser image of its upcoming ‘B-SUV’ ahead of its reveal on July 16, in Japan. The model will be the carmaker’s smallest SUV globally and will take shape as the Nissan Magnite compact SUV in India. While the SUV will be shown in concept form in Japan, sources at Nissan tell us that the model on display will be close to production, with the final product only differing in terms of wheels and tyres.
What does the new teaser reveal?
Nissan’s latest teaser shows the SUV under wraps, with only the front-right portion visible. Exaggerated elements like the thick wheel arches, large wheels wrapped in off-road tyres and scuff plates, which are typical concept car traits, are visible. These will be toned down for the final product. However, there are a few clear takeaways from the image.
The SUV’s sharp and stretched-back LED headlights are similar to the larger Nissan Kicks’. At the same time, there is a clear link to Datsun products - the large and radical L-shaped DRL is an element we’ve seen on the latest iteration of the Datsun Redigo, while the octagonal grille is also very Datsun-like in look. Remember, the B-SUV (codename: EM2) was originally destined to wear the Datsun badge but plans to drop the brand altogether meant that the SUV will finally go on sale with a Nissan badge.
Of the other details, the teaser suggests the Nissan Magnite SUV will have thick body cladding running across its side. Nissan’s earlier teaser had already confirmed a crossover-like silhouette for the new SUV. Two-tone body paint is also expected.
When does the Nissan Magnite launch in India?
Nissan has announced that the new B-SUV will go on sale in the second half of FY2021. An India launch is expected only in January 2021. The model was earlier planned for an August 2020 sale date but in light of coronavirus-related delays and a low buyer sentiment, the launch plan has been pushed back by a few months.
What engines will the Magnite get?
The Magnite will come with not one but two engine options. Lower trims will come with a 72hp/ 96Nm, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder BR10 petrol engine from the Renault Triber. This engine will come with a standard 5-speed manual and is expected to get an AMT gearbox option as well.
The second engine will be the more powerful 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, HR10 turbo-petrol unit that will churn out around 95hp. Gearbox options will include a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic.
What else is known about the Magnite?
The Magnite will face stiff competition in our market from a number of compact SUVs and even its own platform-mate, the Renault Kiger. In order to get a jump over its rivals, Nissan’s SUV will be loaded to the hilt with equipment that could include segment-firsts like a 360-degree parking camera. It will also come with connected car tech from the Kicks, a large touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control and steering-mounted controls, to name a few features.
As far as pricing goes, the Magnite will be aggressively priced at around Rs 5.25 lakh for the entry-level variant. Additionally, even the turbo-petrol version with a CVT could have a sub-Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag.
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