The much-awaited Nissan Magnite subcompact SUV has been launched in the Indian market at a killer introductory price of INR 4.99 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the entry-level XE variant. The Magnite will be available in 4 variants – XE, XL (Rs 5.99- 7.89 Lakh), XV (Rs 6.68-Rs 8.58 Lakh), and XV Premium (Rs 7.55-Rs 9.35 Lakh).

The Nissan Magnite will be powered by a choice of two engine-and-gearbox options. There will be a 72 bhp, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated, three-cylinder petrol engine available with manual, and there’ll also be a 95 bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol unit that’ll get manual and a segment-first CVT automatic transmission options.  There won’t be any diesel engine on offer.

The Nissan Magnite is based on the company’s CMF-A+ platform, an evolution of what you would find underpinning the Renault Kwid and Triber.  At the front, the new Nissan Magnite gets a trapezoid-shaped grille, which is surrounded by a silver; finished bezel and large L-shaped DRLs.  Below the grille, you get a one-piece black plastic panel and a faux skid plate right below that. The sides have been designed to accentuate the Magnite’s sporty character. There is a floating-type roof effect, blacked-out ORVMs, gloss back cladding over the wheel arches, chrome handlebars, blacked-out side skirts with silver inserts, a ground clearance of 204mm, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

The Magnite will be getting the roomiest of cabin spaces with features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in voice recognition, 360-degree cameras, Nissan Connect that offers 50+ features (geofence, roadside assistance, smartwatch connectivity etc.) and cruise control being part of the package.  You get a dual-tone theme with stitched-fabric seats, wide hexagonal air condition vents that sits right on the top of the dashboard, and an all-digital 7-inch TFT instrument cluster for the driver.

The Magnite subcompact SUV gets a plethora of safety features which include dual airbags, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) for safer manoeuvering in tight spaces, Hill Start Assist (HAS), Traction Control, Anti-Roll bar, and ABS with EBD. Magnite also claims to have the best-in-class turning radius of 5.0m

The Nissan Magnite which will be launched in the Nepalese market by early February faces stiff competition from Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon