The Nissan Magnite shares its internals with Renault India’s upcoming compact crossover, Kiger
Japanese automaker Nissan has unveiled its new Magnite small SUV (subcompact crossover) concept for global markets including India. Currently listed as a ‘B-SUV’, the new Nissan Magnite is expected to be launch in our market in early 2021.
Alongside, the company has also showcased the Aria crossover EV, new logo and Nissan NEXT product strategy. Nissan India initially planned to launch the Magnite later this year but had to schedule it for later due to COVID-19 and the nationwide lockdown protocols.
Nissan India’s production plant in Tamil Nadu has been apparently facing issues due to the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state. The facility is shared by Renault as part of the brands’ joint collaboration in India.
Nissan Magnite Features
As revealed in teasers, the Nissan Magnite makes a bold stance with its large trapezoidal grille, sharp LED headlamps, snazzy L-shaped DRLs and prominent front bumper with skid plates. The side profile has muscular squarish wheel arches and diamond-cut alloy wheels in 5-petal design. On the inside, the new Magnite features a MID instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; automatic climate control, advanced connectivity suite and more. It borrows styling principles from popular Nissan products including the Indian-spec Kicks BS6.
Nissan Magnite Engine & Specs
The 2021MY Nissan Magnite utilizes the CMF-A+ platform that also forms the base for Renault India’s upcoming Kiger, that is expected to launch this festive season. As Renault-Nissan has chosen a petrol-only strategy for the Indian market, the Magnite will not be available in diesel format.
Powering the all-new Nissan Magnite will be a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that churns out more than 90bhp and about 160Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed CVT unit. The specs remain identical on the Renault Kiger.
Nissan Magnite Rivals
The Nissan Magnite will be primarily targeted at developing markets while being manufactured in India. In our market, it competes with rivals such as Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and of course, its Renault sibling. On the other hand, Kia Motors India is almost ready with the Sonet sub-four-metre crossover.
As of now, Nissan India has only the Kicks compact crossover in its portfolio. The Nissan Kicks faces tough competition from the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. It would be interesting to see how the battle unfolds in the subcompact SUV space in the coming months, with the introduction of the Nissan Magnite.
