The irony cannot be concealed; a product developed for a now-defunct brand has become the top seller for the mother company responsible for the demise of the once highly viable sub-brand. That, in essence, is the story of the Magnite.
Originally developed as the SUV flagship for the affordable Datsun brand, the Magnite was incorporated into the Nissan line-up when it became clear that the Datsun brand was to be discontinued. Unveiled in late 2020 and positioned below the Kicks in the global Nissan SUV range, the Magnite was introduced in South Africa a year later. Over 150,000 units have been sold globally since then.
Locally, about 26,000 Magnite’s were retailed over the same period, and with the new Qashqai dropped from the local line-up and production of the NP200 bakkie ceasing earlier this year, the poor cousin in the Nissan household suddenly became the new bestseller in the range.
As such, the Magnite is now a key model in Nissan’s plans. However, although revamped, it is still an outsider in the Nissan family regarding design. It does not share the generic styling elements of other Nissan models, like the V-shaped grille, such as the X-Trail, Navara, and Patrol.
What is clear from the extensive revamp, though, is that this popular model now received the attention and corporate backing it deserves – to enhance its magnetism in a highly contested market segment where it competes against models like the Mahindra 3XO, the Suzuki Fronx, the Hyundai Exter, the Citroën C3 Aircross, the Toyota Starlet Cross, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and the Renault Kiger.
EXTENSIVE INTERIOR UPDATE
Its styling is pleasant enough, and nothing has really changed externally. However, inside, the Magnite has been significantly upgraded, including using higher-quality soft-touch materials in the interior (on top models), an 8” touch-screen infotainment system with a floating design, a configurable TFT instrument panel display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, and even adjustable four-colour ambient lighting.
Other model-specific novelties include remote engine start from outside the car (although it isn’t clear what advantage this offers), a walkaway lock and approach unlock function, cooled glove box storage, an onboard air ioniser, six airbags (all models), and an (optional) auto-dimming rearview mirror.
According to Nissan, these improvements were implemented following feedback from Magnite customers. This has also led to the use of more high-tensile steel in the chassis and bodyshell to improve the integrity and rigidity of the Indian-built model range.
ENHANCED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
The renewed models’ enhanced structural integrity was evident on a short introductory drive around the Cape Peninsula. This extra torsional stiffness also improved the overall driving experience.
Although the Visia and Acenta models with the normally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (delivering 53 kW at 6,250 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm) are still available, we could only sample the turbo models with Acenta and Acenta Plus trim.
The lively 999 cc turbo engine (74 kW at 5,000 rpm and 152 Nm from 2,200 to 4,400 rpm) in the Acenta Plus, coupled with a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission), was surprisingly smooth and comfortable on the twisty Cape roads. An AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) derivative was unavailable, but we could assess the top manual model (with Acenta trim).
Even without genuine leather seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, cruise control, or the four-camera Around View Monitor, this variant was a favourite. Overall, the latest chassis and bodyshell updates, as well as the trim and features in the Magnite, were clearly improved.
These enhancements, as well as competitive prices ranging from slightly below R250,000 to just over R400,000, should keep this compact sports utility – until now, a regular player in the top three positions in its class – relevant in this highly contested market segment.
PRICING
Magnite 1.0 Visia (MT) R246,200
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT) R277,300
Magnite 1.0 Visia (AMT) R263,200
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (AMT) R294,400
Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (AMT) R323,900
Magnite 1.0T Visia (MT) R309,700
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT) R340,100
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (CVT) R370,500Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (CVT) R410,700
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © NISSAN AFRICA
