Nissan Magnite 2024 Review

When Nissan introduced the Magnite in 2020 many expected the car to be the companies Swan song in India. However, with a killer price tag of under 6 lakh rupees, the magnet turned out to be the saviour Nissan India was looking for. The new updated version comes at the same sticker price, which immediately makes it good value. Here is a look at India’s most value for money SUV.

While the silhouette remains largely unchanged, the Magnite now gets a much bolder grille that has prominent chrome surrounds to it. The front bumper has also been heavily sculpted with the fog lamps now closer to the centre of the grille rather than towards the end of the bumpers. The side profile remains largely unchanged and the back too now receives a restyled set of lamps with LED elements in them. Overall, the styling of the car has always been balanced and the new design makes it look sporty and youthful.

The larger changes have been reserved for the interiors of the car. Soft touch leatherette materials abound on the dashboard and door pads all across, which give the car a unique touch. The plastic quality is slightly improved too. The gauges remain the digital design that has plenty of information. Buyers will like the massive amount of storage placed inside the cabin. The huge glovebox is a boon as is the large centre console that has plenty of place to keep odds and ends. Seat comfort has always been good and the new model feels just as roomy as the old one.

At the rear, the car feels spacious too. With nice and large windows adding to the sense of airiness inside the cabin. What buyers will also like is the almost flat floor board. It offers good amounts of space for passengers in the back. Overall, the cabin feels much posh than before and even though this isn’t an expensive SUV in terms of price, it feels nice and upmarket in the cabin.

You can choose between a turbo and a non turbo engine. The turbo makes 100bhp and is the one to go for. We sampled the CVT-automatic option, which is the best option on this car. Performance is more than adequate and the CVT and turbo engine combination works really well together. What you will also like is the light steering, which offers good levels of feedback. Being a turbo means that when you push it beyond 3000rpm, there is some noise from the engine but it is not too obtrusive.

Buyers will also like the excellent visibility that makes driving the car a cinch within city limits.

Though not an all out drivers car, there is some fun to be had in the Magnite. The steering is crisp and direct but you also get very controlled body roll. The tyres provide excellent grip and the braking is good too. At faster speeds the car feels stable and reassuring too.

The top end CVT auto we drove comes at a sticker price of Rs 11.50 lakh(ex-showroom. Delhi). The base version costs Rs 5.99 lakh. This makes the Magnite very good value undercutting most rivals and also offering a lower price than some hatchbacks.

Don’t buy it only because of the keen sticker price, also do consider its merits and abilities that will truly impress.