Nissan Magnite Expert Review

The facelift for the Magnite brought relatively minor changes, adding a good dose of musculature to the design. Piano black applique now connects the grille to the headlights – making the former look larger – while the front bumper gets contrasting silver bits that protrude slightly. From the sides, the Magnite has a typically crossover-like silhouette and features contrasting, black plastic body cladding. Top models sport stylish dual-tone 16-inch alloys wheels; lower variants get 16-inch steel wheels with covers, depending on the trim. The C-shaped protruding tail-lights are attractive, and get 3D LED signatures.

The Magnite’s cabin has a dual-tone theme, with dark grey plastic contrasted by the copper-coloured leatherette finish on the dashboard and door panels, and dual-tone copper-black leatherette seat covers. While the Magnite facelift’s interior does feel and look more premium than its predecessor, the execution of the ambient lighting could have been better and some cost-cutting – the steering column is visible in the footwell – is a bit too visible.

In terms of practicality and comfort, the Magnite can carry four passengers with ease, though three seated abreast in the back will find shoulder room lacking. It comes with a 336-litre boot, which is good enough for a couple of large suitcases, and expands to 690 litres with the rear seats folded.

The Nissan Magnite gets two engine options: a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 72hp and 96Nm, and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit producing 100hp and 160Nm. Both these three-cylinder units have a 5-speed manual as standard; the 72hp engine has an AMT auto option, while the 100hp unit has a CVT option. Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) are also present on the Turbo variants.

The turbo-petrol has strong mid-range punch, and works well with the smooth CVT to mask any lag at lower revs. At low and medium engine speeds, the typical ‘rubber band’ effect is barely there, but drive with a heavy right foot and it will set in.

The naturally aspirated powertrain in the Magnite isn’t the most refined, and is a little too relaxed. A quick overtake requires a lot of planning, especially when paired with the 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Magnites powered by the naturally aspirated engine are quite frugal, with ARAI-rated economy figures of 19.4kpl in manual form, and 19.7kpl in AMT guise. Meanwhile, the Magnite turbo variants have fuel efficiency figures of 19.9kpl (MT) and 17.9kpl (CVT).

The Magnite is an able highway cruiser, as its suspension does a good job of filtering out road undulations at speed. And while there is an underlying firmness to its setup at city speeds, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable at any point. The steering weighs up nicely as speeds rise and the 195/60 tyres offer decent grip, providing a good degree of confidence when cornering.

The Nissan Magnite is a well-equipped model for the price, with top-spec variants boasting of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, engine remote start, auto headlights, a cooled glove box, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, auto climate control and a 6-speaker ARKAMYS sound system. On the other hand, it’s one of the few compact SUVs that does not get a sunroof.

The safety suite on the Magnite includes 6 airbags across the range, along with a tyre pressure monitor, ABS, ESC, three-point seat belts and seat belt reminders for all seats, and hill-start assist. The top-spec Magnite Techna+ variant adds an auto-dimming IRVM and a 360-degree camera.

Magnite prices currently range between Rs 6.14 lakh and Rs 11.76 lakh. The compact SUV sits on the more affordable side of the segment. Nissan’s sub-4-metre SUV boasts of a brilliant design, comfortable and well-equipped cabin, and a sporty feel with an attractive price tag. The Magnite facelift brought marked improvements in areas such as interior ambience and feel-good features. While NVH could be better, there are still clear signs of cost-cutting. Missing out on premium features like a sunroof is a drawback, but the Magnite is a great value-for-money proposition.