Nissan has launched the new Nissan Magnite subcompact SUV in New Delhi. The new Magnite is not a next-generation car, but it has been updated, although Nissan insists on calling it an MC or "major change".
Exterior
Firstly, the new exterior retains most of the previous styling, but a closer look reveals some subtle but important tweaks. The front grille now features an improved hexagonal design, the skirts are stronger and more striking, and the fog lamps have been repositioned. The new design is complemented by front and rear LED lights, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and roof longitudinal beams. Users can choose a paint scheme from a palette of 13 colors, including five two-tone variants.
Interior
The interior has also been updated with passenger comfort in mind and Nissan has introduced a '360-degree leather treatment', which adds soft faux leather padding to most of the contact points on the doors and dashboard. The seats are upholstered in "MODURE" quilted faux leather with contrasting stitching that mimics the hexagonal pattern of the front grille and an infrared-reflecting coating.
The new cabin includes a 7-inch digital TFT configurable driver display with updated graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, and a wireless smartphone charger. Rear passengers also get a USB charger and vents, and 4-colour ambient lighting has been added to enhance the overall interior ambience.
Other convenient features include away-from-home locking and proximity unlocking with the new I-Key, cooled glovebox storage and an on-board negative ion air purifier - perfect for customers with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Space and security
With compact dimensions of just under 4m in length, 1,758mm in width and 1,572mm in height, the Magnite is comparable to crossovers such as the Kia Sonet and Skoda Kushaq. With a wheelbase of 2,500mm, the Magnite is spacious enough to accommodate up to five passengers. And all models now come standard with a split-folding rear seat that extends cargo capacity from 336 to 540 litres.
Power and performance
The complexity of India and other right-hand drive markets has prompted Nissan to offer a wide range of powertrain combinations in these regions. These include two engines, one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged, paired with one of three different transmissions, including a manual, conventional automatic and XTRONIC CVT.
The Middle East market is likely to get a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine mated to a manual or XTRONIC CVT. This engine features advanced technologies such as mirror bore coating, forged cylinder crankshafts and electric turbo actuators. Its maximum power is 99 hp (74 kW) and peak torque is 160 N-m. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds, while fuel economy is rated at 20 km/l for the manual transmission and 17.4 km/l for the CVT.
Prices
In India, the new Nissan Magnite will be available in six interiors; Visa, Visa+, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+. Pricing in the market ranges from Rs 599,000 to Rs 11,50,000, which translates to approximately Dhs 26,250 to Dhs 50,300. This includes a 3-year/100,000-kilometre warranty.

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