As popular as the SUV shape has become over the past decade, automotive manufacturers have been eager to expand into every associated segment possible. The budget crossover/SUV portfolio is as important in our value-conscious times as it's ever been, and has seen many new entrants, including the likes of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and the latest-generation Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
With the revival of the Datsun brand, parent company Nissan has been enjoying new-found success in the budget segment, notably via the Go hatchback package. Now, with the Datsun badge seemingly fading once again, this Japanese brand has placed its popular nameplate on a new, Indian-built, pocket-friendly compact SUV: the Magnite.
Introduced in 2021, the Magnite represents a compelling entry point into a well-established family of Nissan SUVs, led by the ever-popular X-Trail. This ahead of the arrival of an all-new medium-sized Qashqai package, as well.
Built to take advantage of the Indian market's sub-four-metre taxation concessions, the Magnite nevertheless offers 205-mm-worth of adventure-seeking ground clearance. The brand has also been keen to make this package as fun-loving and appealing as possible by including a selection of bright exterior paint finishes with contrasting roof colours, as well as modern LED daytime running lights, roof rails and striking 16-inch alloy wheels throughout the range.
A glance at the standard specification list of the Magnite makes for impressive reading. Available in two trim levels, Acenta and Acenta Plus, all models feature keyless entry, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless smartphone mirroring and charging, a multifunction steering wheel, air-conditioning and cruise control. While rear parking sensors and a camera are also included throughout, the top-spec derivative gains the additional convenience of a neat 360° camera view of its surroundings.
Firm plastics within the cabin may be the order of the day at this price point, but the Magnite counters this with comfortable cloth seating and an impressive 336-litres-worth of claimed luggage space. The rear seats also feature a 60:40 split backrest for added versatility.
The Magnite is sold with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol motor and the choice between either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. The inclusion of turbocharging will be welcomed by customers living in cities situated at altitude. Nissan claims an average fuel consumption of 6.0 L/100 km.
Nissan offers brought-to-your-home test drives and interactive video calls between customer and dealership.
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Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta |
from R287 700 |
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Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta auto |
from R314 300 |
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Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus |
from R316 300 |
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Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus auto |
from R342 800 |
The Nissan Magnite Service plan is valid for three-years/30,000 km and Nissan's comprehensive six-year/150 000 km warranty. The brand claims to offer roadside assistance to all its customers, no matter the age of their vehicle. This is available via 0800 NISSAN (64 77 26).
Via an extensive nationwide dealership network, Nissan offers free "health checks" to all its on-road products, as well as the guarantee of a courtesy car should any repair be scheduled to take longer than 48 hours.
An established name on the South African motoring scene, Nissan offers a comprehensive bouquet of in-house financing options. Just make sure that you've got the best deal when it comes to Car Insurance for your new ride.
The Magnite is sold as standard with two airbags (driver and front passenger), ABS-assisted brakes, hill-hold and stability control. The car boasts a four-star (out of a possible five) crash test rating via the Global NCAP programme.
Source: Nissan South Africa
Pricing accurate on date of publication
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
