First, the name is now official. The all-new SUV from the Nissan stable for the Indian market will be called the Magnite. It is called a B-SUV because it will be priced as per the B-segment which includes cars like the the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, etc. So point to note, the launch price could range between INR 5.5 – 8.5 lakh ex-showroom. The Nissan Magnite will be positioned as an SUV but will slot below the Nissan Kicks. The Magnite will be Made-in-India and sold worldwide. It will be an urban SUV for those who love the rough road credentials in a car. As we all know, the Nissan Magnite will be a sub-4 metre car. Considering other sub-4 metre compact-SUVs, the Nissan Magnite will have to lock horns with the likes of Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue and the upcoming Kia Sonet.
Features will include cruise control, 360 degree camera, 8” touchscreen infotainment and connected car technology. The concept highlighted that the Magnite will come with XL sized LED DRLs, LED headlamps, snazzy dual tone diamond cut alloy wheels, dual tone paint options, LED tail lamps, front and rear skid plates, healthy body cladding, chrome door handles, chrome window sills, roof rails, etc. In terms of design profile, one can call it a scaled down version of the Nissan Kicks, but the front end is dominated by a Datsun grille which now sports the new Nissan logo. Point to note, the Magnite was initially going to be launched as a Datsun product, but will now be badged as Nissan. The Nissan Magnite will be a 5-seater urban-SUV.
When launched, we expect the Nissan Magnite to be made available with the same engine and gearbox options like the Renault Triber. Also, the Triber will be the more of a sibling to the Nissan Magnite but the upcoming Renault Kiger will be an ideal competitor. Both the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are going to be based on the CMF-A+ platform. Expect the 999cc, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol motor to be on offer initially which produces 72 PS of power and 96 Nm of torque matched to either a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox option. Looking at the Nissan and Datsun range, the Magnite could also get a CVT gearbox in due course of time. A turbo-petrol variant could also be considered to offer more power to the enthusiasts which could be a 1.0L unit producing close to 90 PS and 160 Nm.
Nissan has also officially announced that the new Magnite will be launched in FY2020.
