Launched in 2020 and updated extensively last year, the Magnite is aimed at urban buyers and is based on the Renault-Nissan alliance’s CMF-A+ platform. It has been offered with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines while also offering the choice between manual, AMT and CVT gearboxes. Last year’s facelift thoroughly revamped the interior and the features list of the Magnite, bringing it in line with contemporary consumer demands. The Magnite boasts over 55 safety features and a 4-star GNCAP rating. A government-approved CNG retrofit kit has also been launched recently. Customers opting for the naturally-aspirated engine and manual gearbox equipped Magnite can specify the CNG kit at the dealer level, which will then be fitted at a government-authorised fitment centre.

Amidst rumours surfacing of Nissan exiting India, the company has staunchly defended its commitment to the Indian market and has conclusively dispelled such hearsay. On the contrary, Nissan has confirmed that a 7-seater MPV, which will share its platform with the Renault Triber, should be launched in Q1 of 2026. Furthermore, an all-new 5-seater midsize SUV is also expected to be launched in 2026. Likely to come with a design inspired by the full-size Nissan Patrol SUV, the midsize SUV is also expected to spawn a 7-seater variant, which should be launched some time in 2027.

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Most of that improvement is concentrated on the design. While the cosmetic updates on the Magnite might seem subtle, they do elevate the the SUV’s appearance. The grille features a black piano surround and the bumper gets a new, muscular fog lamp housing. The headlamps feature a new LED DRL signature. Interestingly the L-shaped LED DRLs on the bumper have been retained. The updates to the sides and rear are limited to new 16-inch machine-cut alloy wheels and new 3D LED tail lamp inserts which look cool. The Magnite also gets a new Sunrise Copper Orange paintjob which goes well with the updated design. Overall the Magnite looks more premium and larger than before.
Inside too the updates are minimal but help up the premium quotient. The dashboard and door pads feature a dual-tone finish while the previous silver finish on the steering wheel and gear knob surround has made way for a glossy black trim. The seats too get dual-tone leatherette covers which amp up the sporty appeal while the cushioning has been improved with better bolstering and are quite comfortable.

The digital instrument console gets a new, more understated background which is a welcome change. That said, Nissan did miss out on an opportunity to revamp its infotainment system interface which looks dated. In terms of features, the Magnite now gets four-colour ambient lighting, remote key start, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming IRVMs and type-C ports for rear passengers. This in addition to the existing 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto and a 3D music system by ARKAMYS. A useful feature is the Plasma Cluster ioniser that filters the cabin air and claims to reduce the Air Quality Index from 400 to 30 in just 20 minutes. Interestingly, the Magnite still misses out on a sunroof, a hot item in most car buyers’ lists. In terms of safety, the Magnite now gets six airbags as standard besides three-point seatbelts for both rows of seats, traction control, tyre pressure monitor, hill start assist and more. Overall the Magnite is quite the feature-loaded SUV.

The Magnite continues to feature two powertrain options — a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated and a turbo-petrol motor. Of the two, it is the turbo petrol motor paired with the CVT that we are driving here. The three-cylinder engine puts out 100PS and 152Nm and impresses with its performance and refinement. The CVT gearbox is quite impressive with none of the ‘rubber band’ effect at low speeds making it quite responsive to drive in the city. This engine and gearbox combo is our powertrain pick for the Magnite.

Prices for the Nissan Magnite start at ₹8.99 lakh ex-showroom going up to ₹11.50 lakh for this top-spec Tekna+ Turbo CVT we are driving. These prices are just a nominal hike from the previous Magnite models and make the SUV an even sweeter deal than before. While the 2024 Nissan Magnite features a mild facelift, it really elevates the compact SUV’s premiumness both inside and out, bolstering its aspirational value and adding an additional layer to its VFM quotient.

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In terms of the exterior, the Magnite remains unchanged, save for the introduction of a new blue and black dual-tone colour scheme which we feel, adds a touch of premiumness. The interiors remain unchanged as well and continue to impress with top variants offering features such as wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the addition of a 360-degree camera at this price point is good news, the resolution is disappointing.

Beneath the hood lies a 1-litre naturally aspirated 3-cylinder motor, generating 72PS and 96Nm. It comes mated to a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. The motor offers adequate performance for city confines and you do have to rev it quite a bit to access most of the power. Thankfully, this gearbox tends to hold onto the gears for a longer duration to eke out most of the performance out of the powertrain. This makes it especially useful for spirited driving. As is the case with most AMT gearboxes, this one is a tad slow to change gears. However, downshifts are smoother and quicker.

The AMT gearbox offers a manual mode that offers better control over gearshifts. If the revs are too low, the Magnite won’t let you shift up and will sound off an alert. Downshifts in manual mode are executed more swiftly. It misses out on on hill-hold assist which is disapointing as the delay between shifts caused the SUV to roll back in steep inclines, necessitating either left-foot braking or the use of the handbrake to safely move forward.

The 3-cylinder motor could do with more refinement. It feels harsh especially while moving from a standstill, and is notably noisy at low revs. The NVH levels considerably drop down in the mid rev range though the motor becomes more audible at higher revs. The Magnite is most content when driven gently. In city driving, we managed to eke out around 14 kmpl.

Where the Magnite truly excels is in its driving dynamics. The suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and agility, making navigating the city’s uneven terrain comfortable and holding its line when tackling corners at higher speeds. The brakes work well too, while its light steering makes urban driving a breeze. Although the updated steering wheel feels comfortable to grip, it could do with more feedback.

It’s a no-brainer that the AMT gearbox offers convenience, particularly in our daily urban driving routines dominated by city traffic, that too without a significant price hike. The Magnite has consistently offered excellent VFM besides ample space and features, and fuel-efficient powertrains. With the new EZ-Shift variant priced at ` 6.6 lakh ex-showroom onwards, its value proposition is further enhanced, positioning the Magnite as an enticing choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for an automatic SUV.

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