Nissan Qashqai

In the beginning of 2023, Renault and Nissan shared their long-term plans for India, involving a substantial investment of Rs 5,300 crores. This investment would realize enhanced manufacturing capability and also help both companies expand their product portfolio for consumers in our country. In view of that, with the current sealing of their commitment towards India, here are some basic details of what one can expect in 2024. Nissan Magnite Facelift With the Magnite doing quite well for the company, we expect the brand to introduce the facelifted version of this subcompact SUV sometime next year. Slated for a mid-2024 introduction, expect the vehicle to feature upgrades on its exterior design alongside an extended equipment list. Mechanically remaining the same, both home production and exports of the SUV in the international markets are expected to grow from the total current number of 25,000 - 30,000 units to 40,000 - 50,000 cars every year. Currently, Nissan Magnite retails between Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 10.66 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering that we are towards the end of the year, the Discount offer on the SUV ranges up to Rs 90,000. Interested in buying the Magnite, then head to CarLelo to avail the best deal. Duster-based SUV Besides the facelifted Magnite, the automaker will be looking to use its global collaboration with Renault to introduce a compact SUV based on the Duster. It is expected that the French manufacturer would be bringing in the Duster first followed by Nissan who would look to introduce the vehicle in 2025. Design wise the four-wheeler will share the majority of its components with the SUV. Both products will be underpinned by the same CMF-B platform and will be manufactured in Chennai. Bigster-based SUV Similar to the competition, the brand will be looking to expand its product portfolio with the inclusion of a 3-row compact SUV. Believed to be based on the Duster, the vehicle will feature an extended wheelbase to accommodate the third row of seats. Its design elements for the exterior and interior would be on the lines of the Dacia Bigster Concept revealed back in 2021. It will use the CMF-B platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. When introduced it will compete with the likes of the Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar. Triber-based 3-Row MPV Further, the brand will look to expand its horizon in the MPV segment with the launch of a 3-row vehicle. Unlike the Nissan Evalia that was made ground up, this upcoming MPV will be based on the Renault Triber. It will be made in Chennai and will be positioned below the Magnite to appeal to the mass market. When launched its rivals would be the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion among others. Entry-Level EV The demand for entry-level electric vehicles is growing in the country. In response to this trend, Renault and Nissan are collaborating on a new entry-level hatchback. It will utilize the CMF-AEV platform and is intended to be a global product, with both manufacturers releasing their own versions. Nissan X-Trail There have been sightings of the All-New Nissan X-Trail being tested in India. So, the possibility is high that it could be brought in through the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route. If launched, the Nissan X-Trail SUV will compete with vehicles such as the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Citroen C5 in its segment. Read Also: Honda Elevate Gaining Popularity in India

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. Also Read: Top 3 Upcoming Nissan SUVs in India 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. Also Read: Automatic Sedan Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh in India

Launched in December 2020, the Nissan Magnite compact SUV has received a positive response from car buyers in India. The small SUV has achieved a new sales milestone as Nissan has dispatched over 30,000 units of the SUV for the third consecutive year. The company has sold over 1 lakh units of the Magnite in our market in 3 years. In the FY20, the company sold 9569 units of the Magnite SUV. The number increased to 33,905 in FY21, which saw a marginal dip in FY22 where Nissan dispatched 32,546 units of the Magnite. The company sold 30,146 units of the sub-4 meter SUV in the last financial year that's FY23. In total, Nissan sold 106,166 units of the Magnite compact SUV in India. The SUV is available in 4 trim levels - XE, XL, XV and XV Premium. It is offered with two petrol engines - a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol. While the former is good for 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque, the turbo engine produces 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed AMT (Naturally-Aspirated Unit) and a CVT automatic (Turbo Petrol). With the CVT automatic gearbox, the torque drops to 152Nm. In terms of features, the Magnite compact SUV gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, a 7-inch digital driver's display, and wireless phone charging. For safety and security, the small SUV gets dual front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a 360-degree camera. Nissan has already started testing the Magnite facelift, which is expected to be launched by the end of this financial year. The new model will receive subtle design changes and an upgraded interior along with new features. It will retain the existing engine options; however, they will be tuned to offer better performance.

Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed two new mid-size SUVs for the Indian market. While Renault will introduce the third-gen Duster, Nissan will have its own version of the SUV. This new Nissan SUV is scheduled to be launched in our market sometime in 2025, most probably around the festive season. The company will also introduce the 7-seater version of the SUV in 2026.  New Nissan SUV Competition The new Nissan SUV midsize SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Tata Curvv. On the other hand, the 7-seater SUV will rival the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar.  CMF-B Platform The new Nissan SUVs will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-B modular platform, which will also underpin the new Duster and its 7-seater sibling. This platform is versatile enough to accommodate differently sized vehicles including sedan, SUV and crossovers. Adding to it, the platform is compatible with different powertrains including ICE, hybrid and electric. This platform will be heavily localised to achieve competitive pricing.  The new model will come with modern interiors with better quality material and fit & finish. Features likely to include a larger touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument console, automatic AC with rear AC vents, a factory-fitted electric sunroof, leatherette seats with ventilated function and others.  Engine Options - Petrol Only This new Nissan SUV is likely to be offered with multiple petrol engines including a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo, a 1.5L naturally-aspirated and a 1.3L 4-cylinder turbo petrol. The 1.0L engine currently powers the Kiger and the Magnite and is offered with manual and CVT automatic gearbox options. The higher variants will have the 156hp, 1.3L turbo unit, which was earlier offered on the previous Duster & Kicks. The company has no plans to bring back diesel engines in India. Also Read: New Renault Duster - Top 5 Things To Know