Nissan Magnite, the car that opened up a whole new segment of cars that are not very heavy in the wallet. Price and features that would make some premium hatches look expensive have been the Magnite’s strongest suits. The question to be answered through, how does it fare in day-to-day usage? The answer lies in our long-term assessment. Read on to find out.
Design
Yes, looks can be subjective but, it is hard to argue that the Magnite isn’t a handsome-looking car. A tall stance, a large grille, sophisticated LED headlamps, and a raised bonnet make it look more like an SUV than a crossover. The rear too is smart and has enough bulk to complete the SUV look. The alloys have an attractive sporty design and have nothing to be disliked. The car also has enough body cladding on the sides and the wheel arches which make the car look rugged. Overall, it looks smart and sophisticated especially when compared to its sibling, the Renault Kiger.
Performance
Our long-term unit came with the 1.0-L turbo engine mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. The engine produces 99 bhp of peak power and 160 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. If you are an enthusiastic driver, this is the powertrain you should go for. However, there is some amount of turbo-lag when you try to push the car too hard.
The power is ample for quick overtakes and has satisfactory performance on the highways. In the city, it is effortless to drive. Power is more than enough and the light clutch action allows for stress-free driving in traffic. Our long-termer has been used 40% on the highways and 60% in the cities including some rural and remote getaways. Overall, the performance has been more than adequate on all occasions.
The Magnite is pretty frugal too, on the highways, 18-19 kmpl is easily achievable and in the city, with a light foot, you can get a fuel efficiency of 13-15 kmpl
Ride Quality & Handling
The Magnite comes with a potent suspension setup. With a ground clearance of 205 mm, it is a tall car however, there is no body roll and the ride is not bouncy. It handles the potholes and bumps in the city pretty well. The harsh ones, however, do creep into the cabin.
On the highways, the Magnite is pretty planted and sturdy. Cruising at triple-digit speeds is quite comfortable up 110-120 kmph but after that, the three-cylinder mill starts roaring and fills the cabin with its sound. The steering weighs up a little and can feel heavy at times. The overall responsiveness and feedback could have been better.
Space & Interiors
The Magnite looks brawny on the outside and all that size, translates into a spacious cabin. The front seats are nice and wide even for large passengers. They have good cushioning and are very comfortable. The rear seat too is wide enough to seat three adults. Although, for longer journeys, two adults and a child will be most comfortable. The Magnite proved to be very comfortable for a family of four during our test period. Be it in the cities or the occasional weekend escapades.
While the Magnite is not pricey, it has a lot to offer on the inside. The upholstery is of good quality and will age well with time. The dashboard and other elements are plastic but they do not feel cheap. The black and grey colour-scheme gives the car an overall sporty character. The boot at 336 L is large enough to swallow enough luggage for a 2-3 day trip for four people.
Features
The Magnite is not the most expensive car in the segment however, it has more features than some others that are much more expensive. A 360-view camera made parking a breeze in a city like Mumbai. The wireless charger ensured that our devices were always charged. There was a need to carry multiple cables as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay worked wirelessly. The automatic climate control kept us cool in the humid Mumbai weather. The cruise control made driving on highways effortless. The smart music system made every journey entertaining.
All in all, the Magnite is packed with all the necessary features you need in a modern-day car.
Verdict
For someone buying their first car or someone upgrading from a small hatchback, the Nissan Magnite makes a lot of sense. It comes at a price point that is affordable for someone on a tight budget. It offers ample space and is more than comfortable for a family of 4/5. The car has proven itself in our long-term tests and we recommend that you test drive it if you fit the above user profile.