Remember when Nissan’s future in India seemed a bit uncertain? Then came the Magnite. Launched in late 2020, it wasn’t just another sub-compact SUV; it was a lifeline, a game-changer, and a surprise hit. Fast forward to today, and Nissan has given its popular Magnite a subtle yet significant facelift, ensuring it stays fresh and competitive in one of India’s hottest segments.
The updated Nissan Magnite (launched in mid-2024) continues its aggressive pricing strategy, starting at an ex-showroom price of ₹6.20 Lakh. This positions it firmly against segment leaders, offering a compelling blend of style, features, and crucially for India, value. But in a market teeming with new entrants, can the Magnite still punch above its weight? Let’s find out.
QUICK SPECS TABLE: Magnite Key Highlights
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol / 1.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Max Power (NA) | 71 BHP @ 6250 rpm |
| Max Torque (NA) | 96 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Max Power (Turbo) | 99 BHP @ 5000 rpm |
| Max Torque (Turbo) | 160 Nm (MT) / 152 Nm (CVT) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / CVT (Turbo only) |
| Seating Capacity | 5-Seater |
| Boot Space | 336 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 Litres |
EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE: Still a Head-Turner?
The Magnite always had a distinctive design, and the facelift builds on that. The new front grille features a slightly bolder, darker chrome finish that integrates seamlessly with the sleek, updated bi-projector LED headlamps. The ‘L-shaped’ LED DRLs are now even more prominent, giving the car an aggressive, modern face.
From the side, the sculpted lines and the floating roof design remain, but Nissan has introduced new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that fill the arches nicely. The rear sees minor tweaks to the LED tail lamps, giving them a more sophisticated, connected look without losing the Magnite’s characteristic width. Overall, despite its sub-4 meter dimensions, the Magnite still manages to look butch and substantial, definitely turning heads in city traffic.
INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES: More Than Just Value?
Step inside the Magnite facelift, and you’ll notice a familiar layout, but with some welcome enhancements.
- Dashboard: The 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system now boasts a much-improved user interface and smoother touch response, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality remains a mix of hard plastics, but the textures are decent, and the fit and finish are acceptable for the price.
- Space: For a sub-4 meter SUV, the Magnite surprises with its interior room. Legroom in the front is ample, and headroom is generous even for taller occupants. The rear bench can comfortably accommodate two adults and a child. Three adults might feel a squeeze on longer journeys, but for city hops, it’s manageable. Rear AC vents are present, which is a big plus in India.
- Features: This is where the Magnite truly shines for its price. You get a fully digital 7-inch instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system (a segment-first at launch), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and automatic climate control. While it still misses out on a sunroof and ventilated seats, these are typically found in higher segments or more expensive rivals. Nissan has added a wireless phone charger and upgraded the sound system, enhancing the overall experience.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS: The Turbo Punch
The Magnite offers two 1.0-liter petrol engine options: a naturally aspirated (NA) unit and a more popular turbocharged version.
City Drive
The 1.0L NA petrol engine is decent for city commutes, but it requires frequent gear changes. The 1.0L Turbo Petrol, however, is the one to go for. With 99 BHP and 160 Nm of torque (152 Nm for CVT), it feels peppy and responsive. The clutch in the manual version is light, and the 5-speed gearbox is smooth. The CVT automatic is a boon in traffic, offering seamless shifts and reducing driver fatigue significantly. Parking is a breeze thanks to the compact dimensions and the excellent 360-degree camera.
Highway Drive
The Turbo Magnite holds its own on the highway. It cruises comfortably at 100 kmph, though pushing it much beyond 120 kmph reveals its 1.0-liter origins. Overtakes require a bit of planning, especially with the CVT, which can exhibit some ‘rubber-band effect’ under hard acceleration. Stability at highway speeds is commendable for its segment, with minimal body roll.
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Suspension & Ride Quality
This is one of the Magnite’s strong suits. The suspension absorbs potholes easily. Nissan has tuned it for Indian roads, meaning it soaks up broken patches and speed breakers with remarkable composure. The ride quality is pliant, keeping passengers comfortable even over rough terrain, which is a big deal for Indian conditions.
SAFETY: A 4-Star Champion
Nissan didn’t cut corners on safety with the Magnite. It achieved an impressive 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.
- Airbags: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard across all variants.
- Build Quality: The Magnite feels solidly built, and the doors close with a reassuring thud. The high ground clearance also aids in navigating tricky terrain without scraping the underbody.
- Additional Safety Features: Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and a Traction Control System are available on higher variants, adding an extra layer of confidence.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE: The Truth on Indian Roads
Mileage is a top priority for Indian buyers, and here’s what you can realistically expect from the Nissan Magnite:
| Engine / Transmission | ARAI Claimed | Real World City | Real World Highway |
| 1.0L NA Petrol MT | 18.75 kmpl | 12-14 kmpl | 16-17 kmpl |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol MT | 20.00 kmpl | 11-13 kmpl | 16-18 kmpl |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol CVT | 17.70 kmpl | 10-12 kmpl | 14-16 kmpl |
THE COMPETITION: Magnite vs. The Brawlers
The Nissan Magnite plays in the crowded sub-compact SUV segment, rubbing shoulders with popular rivals. Let’s see how it compares to the Tata Punch and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
| Feature | Nissan Magnite | Tata Punch | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Engine Options | 1.0 NA P / 1.0 Turbo P | 1.2 NA P / 1.2 CNG | 1.2 NA P / 1.0 Turbo P |
| Max Power | 99 BHP (Turbo P) | 86 BHP (NA P) | 99 BHP (Turbo P) |
| Transmission | 5MT / CVT | 5MT / AMT | 5MT / AMT / 6AT |
| ADAS | No | No | No |
| Key Feature | 360-Degree Camera | Traction Pro (AMT) | Heads-up Display |
| NCAP Rating | 4-Star | 5-Star | Not Tested |
Winner: For overall Value For Money (VFM), especially considering the features and the potent turbo engine at its price point, the Nissan Magnite remains incredibly strong. The Tata Punch scores higher on safety (5-star rating) and offers a strong micro-SUV vibe. The Maruti Fronx brings Maruti’s reliability and a new turbo-petrol option with a wider range of automatics. However, the Magnite’s 360-degree camera and powerful turbo-CVT combination are hard to beat for its price.
FINAL VERDICT: Still a Smart Buy?
The Nissan Magnite, even after its facelift, remains one of the most compelling packages in the sub-compact SUV space. It’s stylish, well-equipped, genuinely spacious for its size, and boasts a commendable safety rating. While the naturally aspirated engine is a bit bland, the turbo-petrol, especially with the CVT, offers a refined and capable driving experience. It’s a testament to Nissan’s understanding of the Indian market – delivering more for less.
Buy it if:
- You want a feature-loaded sub-compact SUV without breaking the bank.
- You prioritize safety and a comfortable ride over bad roads.
- You need a spacious and practical family car for city and occasional highway trips.
Skip it if:
- You are looking for a true enthusiasts’ driving machine (the turbo is good, but not sporty).
- You absolutely must have a sunroof or ventilated seats.
- You are wary of Nissan’s smaller service network compared to Maruti or Hyundai.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What is the on-road price of the Nissan Magnite?
The on-road price of the Nissan Magnite starts from approximately ₹7.20 Lakh for the base XE variant and goes up to ₹11.50 Lakh for the top-spec XV Premium Turbo CVT, depending on the city and accessories
2. Does the Nissan Magnite have a sunroof?
No, the Nissan Magnite does not offer a sunroof, even in its top-end variants.
3. Is the Nissan Magnite available with a CNG option?
Currently, the Nissan Magnite is only available with petrol engine options. There is no official CNG variant offered by Nissan.