The Magnite will decide the future for this Japanese automobile manufacturer and needless to say, success is not an option here. Fortunately after our first look the Magnite seems to have potential.
To recap, the Magnite is a below 4m SUV to compete with the likes of the current line-up of compact SUVs. However with competition so high, Nissan is aiming a different strategy with a 1.0 petrol and some features which make it stand out along with expected aggressive pricing.
With the the launch of Magnite only a couple of days away, here is a detailed look at this new SUV from the Nissan Stable.
On first look the Magnite seems bigger than it is due to the sharp styling and proportions that make this SUV look wide and tall. The stance is nice where the ground clearance of 205mm is healthy. The Magnite is certainly an eye catching car with this red colour which has four coats for an extra shiny finish.
Then the large and narrow headlamps look cool as well as the L-shaped DRLs below. The grille is large too while it has the new Nissan logo now. You also see cladding, roof rails (functional) and the skid plate. The 16 inch wheels fill out the arches while the clever way the rear protrudes out, gives it a bigger SUV look. It looks bigger than some competition here and scores some brownie points due to its sharp appearance.
Inside though it is not as aggressive as the exterior but still is an interesting design. There is good quality with the way the vents are finished with a silver finish to the 8 inch touch screen along with the digital dials. The dials are a particular feature which is different since the layout with the graphics are quite funky and stand out.
You can use the steering controls to use the menu and the information displayed including the tyre pressure monitor. Elsewhere there is a set of round climate controls and toggle switches below the touchscreen while the start/stop button is weirdly positioned below. The toggle switches are nice in quality and the round knobs are also well finished though some of the plastics used elsewhere in the cabin could be a lot better and lack the premium feel you expect .
The touchscreen works well and it is equipped with all the features you expect including smartphone connectivity plus the works. However the ones that stand out are the 360 degree camera including front and multiple views plus 6 speaker audio system, wireless charging, air purifier, ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring system.
It has cruise control and rear ac vents too. A sunroof is missing though and some of the features mentioned above are part of the tech pack and you can spec any Magnite variant with these features- even the mid variant buyers can get these features. The boot space is decent at 336l while it has a big glovebox and is packed with storage spaces. The sense of space is good and the rear is also decently spacious while being best for two passengers though.
In terms of engines, there is no diesel as Nissan says at this segment, the economics of one does not stack up. Anyways with petrol in focus, the Magnite will come with two petrol options. One is a 1.0 petrol and that will be a manual only. The one you see here is the 1.0 turbo petrol with a CVT automatic. There will be no AMT but you can get the turbo 1.0 with a manual. It also has tech like traction control, hill start assist plus of course ABS with EBD and dual airbags.
Overall on first impressions the Magnite surely holds promise because it has the right mix of features, looks and the crucial SUV appeal. However the interior could be better finished though. We have to see how it drives with its turbo petrol and CVT but the Magnite all in all is an interesting and fresh take on a compact SUV plus if priced well, has what it takes to do good numbers. More to be revealed as and when we drive the car which is next month.
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