What is the buzz around this new compact SUV? Why has it got everyone talking about it? Well, the car in question is none other than the Nissan Magnite. What makes it so important? This is probably the last chance for Nissan India to have a market share and they have probably got it on spot. Here is why we say that.
Nissan India has introduced its much anticipated B-SUV, the all-new Nissan Magnite, based on the concept of 'Make in India, Make for the World'. This is the company's first-ever product, scheduled to be introduced in the second half of FY 2020-21, under the Nissan NEXT strategy for the Indian market. The all-new Nissan Magnite has been unveiled to the global audience via a virtual event, a true reflection of the 'Nissan-ness' concept that aims to empower people through breakthrough products and technologies.
Let's dive in the car and see what the engineers and designers have they done. Is this vehicle ready to take on its rival? Let's check it out.
Exterior
Just one thing, it's bold and doesn't look overdone. However, you will feel that it shares its design more with the Datsun family more than Nissan. The reason for that being, this Magnite was under Datsun, nevertheless, the Nissan branded Magnite is something that is strikingly beautiful. At first glance, you will surely feel it is more "Wild" than the so-called Wild. Love those jewel-like headlights.
The Sub 4-meter has a ground clearance of 205mm which is more than enough to clear the "well design 3d roads". Standing on 16 inchers wheels although looks tiny blame the excessive black cladding but, the wheels are well-sized. The Magnite appears very substantial in skin and makes the right first impression. The well-crafted contours on the bonnet add bulk to the front end and in the headlights, there is a similarity to its elder brother the bigger Nissan Kicks, which peel back towards the pillars. Impressively, on top-spec models, frontal lighting can include full LEDs, which are bi-projector LED headlamps, L-shaped LED DRLs and even LED fog lamps at the bumper's.
The skid plate runs alongside the bumper and helps to give enough SUV credits. However, the great octagonal grille is the focal point upfront. It is smartly detailed and has a thick chrome surround. The side profile of the Magnite is more crossover than the upright UV(reminds more of a baby Kicks?), but in this rich, lustrous Flare Garnet Red paint, you'll like what you see. A contrasting roof and columns add to the effect. Oh, the roof-rails are actually functional and can carry up to 50kgs. Apart from this, the chunky C-pillar gives the car a character of its own.
There are some interesting details on the Magnite’s tail as well. The tail-lights (they aren’t LEDs) are spread out and enhance the SUV’s visual width, while the manner in which the roof spoiler flows into the tail section is really fashionable. Nissan has done well to add cladding lower down on the rear bumper to add some more personality to the tail end, but wider tyres would have helped the stance.
Time to hop in (interiors)
The chrome door handles of the Nissan Magnite provide a strong first point of contact and opening the doors shows a cabin that provides a lot to speak about. The dashboard is well-thought-out, for instance, and also has its share of stylistic flourishes. There are practical features, such as a very accessible storage recess at the center console base, a phone bay higher up with wireless charging, and a large glovebox (Nissan says 10-liter).
Air-con vents inspired by the Lamborghini's add a funky factor to the look, but the screens inside the cabin are the main talking points. Inside the respective knobs for the climate control system, the smallest of readouts for temperature, fan speed and air location are set and deserve appreciation.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment device is the largest screen inside. It's good to use, features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto segment-first wireless, and car tech will also be connected. A segment-first 360-degree camera will also relay the feed from the phone. The system's cameras are not of the highest resolution, but when parking in tight spots, they will still be useful. The most interesting screen being the 7.0-inch TFT unit at the instrument console. Bright and easy to read, smart graphics and tyre pressure monitoring system too.
Nissan has packed in a lot of goodies into the small Magnite and the efforts are clearly visible. the Magnite will also get an air purifier, puddle lamps, ambient mood lighting and a six-speaker audio system. There's no mention of a sunroof either. Will it be provided as an option? we don't know yet.
There are several good-to-touch items, such as the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the door panels and the front-center armrest also has nice fabrics however the center armrest at front is useless. The vinyl-like finish is also very appealing for the center of the dashboard. The rough plastics on the dash top and the simple non-woven roof lining pull stuff down on the flip side.
The Magnite also offers plenty of room for luggage. The tailgate lifts to reveal a sizeable 336-liter luggage area and there's also the option to fold the 60:40 split rear seat backrests, should you need more space.
The near-flat floor and fairly wide cabin also mean sitting three won’t be a struggle. The comfort of center armrest, which comes with a nifty smartphone holder. Adjustable rear headrests, rear air-con vents and a 12V charging socket are other amenities at the back. Makes the rearseat experience just a tad better than it's rivals.
Additionally, the car features fully integrated steering wheel controls for audio, cluster and cruise control. It also gets the eco function, which rates driving and assigns a score, while also providing suggestions to improve efficient driving skills. It also comes with NissanConnect, which offers 50+ features (geo-fence, roadside assistance, smartwatch connectivity etc.).
Safety
The safety feature list includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), speed-sensing door lock, central locking and SRS dual airbag system with pretension and load limiter seatbelt for driver and passenger.
Pop the Hood
Nissan hasn't officially declared powertrain details as yet but there will be two engines on offer. The range will start with a 72hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Also a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that will make its India debut on the Magnite. The engine’s expected to make around 95 horsepower and will come mated to a manual gearbox as standard. Top versions will be available with a segment-first CVT auto. Diesel heads, Sorry we have nothing for you.
The company claims that this engine returns a fuel efficiency figure of 20kmpl. Furthermore, Nissan states that this engine adopts ‘mirror bore cylinder coating’ technology from world-class sports cars such as the Nissan GT-R that reduces resistance inside the engine, thus delivering smooth acceleration and efficient use of fuel. The keys too look similar to the Nissan GT-R. Is that a GT-R?
Rivals
When launched in the market, Magnite will rival the best players in the segment. Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Honda WR-V, Hyundai Venue, and the KIA Sonet.
Will the Magnite will bring the success that Nissan needs? Can they crack open the market for once? Do let us know in the comments.
Proofreading:- Aishiki Chakrabarti
댓글