The ever-increasing demand for SUVs among prospective car buyers in India has taken the Indian automobile market by storm, and this trend appears to have no end in sight. The magnetic pull of SUV-style vehicles is so strong that carmakers are perpetually devising new strategies to make them even more appealing and cost-effective. Significantly, the compact SUV segment has consistently held the title of being the most financially rewarding category within the Indian automotive market for several years.
Positioned as the entry point to the compact SUV segment, the Nissan Magnite not only serves as the initial step but also sets a benchmark by offering competitive pricing that undercuts the entire category, even its premium variants. Amid the multitude of options available in the market, the Nissan Magnite distinctly emerges as a robust contender for the highly sought-after title of India's most budget-friendly automatic SUV.
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With this article, let's embark on a journey to uncover the Nissan Magnite's attributes, its pricing structure, and its universal appeal as an economical choice for those on the lookout for an affordable automatic SUV.
Aesthetic Appeal
The Nissan Magnite sports a modern and eye-catching design that appeals to a wide range of car buyers. Its bold grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular body give it a striking road presence. The design language is contemporary, featuring sharp lines and bold accents that set it apart in its segment. While the Magnite's exterior design might not be as premium as some of its competitors, it offers a youthful and dynamic appearance that resonates with many Indian buyers.
Spacious Cabin
Step inside the Magnite, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the well-thought-out interior. Despite its compact SUV size, the Magnite offers a remarkably spacious cabin with abundant headroom and legroom. The quality of materials used in the cabin is not premium, however, is decent and serves the purpose effectively.
The well-organized dashboard houses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the Magnite takes the lead in its segment with its impressive 336-litre boot space, rendering it an ideal and pragmatic choice for urban families.
Safety
In recent times, safety has ascended to a paramount position for the majority of car buyers, and the Magnite rises to meet these expectations. It presents an array of safety features, encompassing Dual Front Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Rearview Camera with Projection Guide, Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Anti Roll-Bar and additional components.
Powertrain and Transmission Options
The Nissan Magnite offers a versatile engine lineup, granting customers the choice between two distinct options: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 72 bhp and a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a robust 100 bhp output. What truly distinguishes it in the Indian market is its inclusive provision of automatic transmissions for both engines, commencing from the base variant. Initially, the sole automatic transmission choice was the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. However, the company has expanded its offerings with the Magnite and included the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) gearbox as well in the package. The AMT option is now available with the naturally aspirated petrol engine, which already comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the turbocharged petrol engine is offered with both 5-speed manual and CVT transmission alternatives.
Price and Competition
A standout feature of the Nissan Magnite is its cost-effectiveness. The base Magnite AMT model is attractively priced at Rs 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom India) and comes with the convenience of an automatic transmission, known as the Magnite EZ-Shift. With a total of 26 variants available, this five-seater SUV competes in the Indian automotive market alongside popular subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon. Despite stiff competition, the Magnite excels as a value-for-money choice, particularly due to its affordable pricing, feature-rich interior, and the availability of automatic transmissions across various price points.
