Introduction: Nissan’s Magnite Facelift Overview
In the competitive world of compact SUVs, Nissan has made significant changes to its 2024 Magnite facelift, positioning it as a powerful, feature-rich, and value-for-money option. With a starting price of ₹5.99 lakh and going up to ₹11.5 lakh for the top variant, this vehicle offers a lot for its price bracket. In this review, we’ll cover both the exterior and interior updates, performance, safety features, and overall driving experience of the Nissan Magnite. Let’s dive into the details.
Exterior Changes: Subtle Yet Significant
The new Nissan Magnite boasts a few cosmetic changes on the outside that give it a refreshed look for 2024. One of the standout features is the addition of a new color—Sunshine Copper Orange. This vibrant shade adds a modern and stylish appeal to the car. Other notable updates include a sleeker design for the keys, which now come with two new features:
- Automatic Locking/Unlocking: The car automatically locks when you walk away and unlocks when you approach, adding convenience to your daily use.
- Remote Start Feature: You can start the engine remotely and even turn on the AC before you enter the car. However, during testing, we found that the remote start feature wasn’t working consistently, but it was demonstrated during the launch.
Interior Upgrades: Improved Comfort and Practicality
Premium Touch with Leatherite and New Features
Step inside the new Magnite, and you’ll immediately notice the improved quality in the interior materials. Nissan has introduced leatherite elements in key touchpoints like the dashboard, giving the cabin a more premium feel. The tactile buttons, which were already impressive in earlier models, continue to provide a satisfying experience.
- Wireless Charging: A wireless charger has been added below the dashboard, alongside a USB port and a 12-volt socket.
- Cooler Seats: The leatherite seat covers in the new Magnite are designed to remain up to 10 degrees cooler than standard leather, though they are not a replacement for ventilated seats.
Despite these improvements, a few features are still missing, such as a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and ventilated seats—features that could have made it an even more compelling package.
Performance: A Tale of Two Engines
Turbo vs. Naturally Aspirated Engine
The Nissan Magnite is available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine options. Here’s a breakdown:
- Turbocharged Engine: Delivers 100 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque (152 Nm with CVT). The turbo variant is recommended for those looking for a more exciting driving experience, with better acceleration and overall performance.
- Naturally Aspirated Engine: While this engine offers slightly less power, it remains the best-selling variant due to its affordability. However, it lacks the fun-to-drive factor of the turbo model.
In terms of performance, the turbocharged variant really shines, especially at higher speeds. The CVT transmission offers a smooth drive, although there’s a noticeable rubber band effect typical of CVT gearboxes. The naturally aspirated version, while adequate, doesn’t provide the same thrill, making the turbo variant the better choice for those seeking more power.
City and Highway Driving Experience
In city traffic, the Nissan Magnite’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver. It’s expected to deliver a fuel efficiency of around 12-13 km/l in the city, while highway cruising can give a better mileage of 15-17 km/l. The turbo variant feels much more responsive, with noticeable improvements in NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels thanks to thicker glass and better insulation.
Safety Features: Enhancements Across the Board
Safety has always been a strong suit for the Nissan Magnite, and the 2024 model further solidifies this with six airbags offered as standard across all variants. Other essential safety features include:
- ABS and EBD
- Traction Control
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- 360-Degree Camera
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The inclusion of these features makes the Magnite one of the safest vehicles in its segment, especially considering its four-star Global NCAP rating.
Pricing Breakdown: What You Get for the Money
The pricing for the Nissan Magnite 2024 starts at ₹5.99 lakh and goes up to ₹11.5 lakh for the top-of-the-line Tecna Plus variant. Here’s a quick overview of the price structure:
- Non-Turbo Manual (MT): Starts at ₹6.65 lakh (ex-showroom).
- CVT Turbo: Starts at ₹9.79 lakh, making it one of the most affordable automatic options within the ₹10-11 lakh budget range.
With the amount of features and safety tech packed into the Magnite, the price point feels justified, especially for those looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed SUV.
Driving Impressions: From City to Highway
During our test drive, the Magnite performed impressively, especially on highways like the Dwarka Expressway. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h is swift, and the CVT gearbox delivers smooth transitions, although the turbo lag is noticeable below 2,800 RPM. Once the turbo kicks in, the car feels like a storm, with rapid acceleration and stable handling even at higher speeds.
The low mode (L) in the CVT gearbox allows for higher RPMs, making it useful when driving uphill or needing extra power in low-gear situations. In city conditions, the Magnite is agile and handles well, with the refined CVT offering a more comfortable experience compared to earlier models.
Conclusion: Is the Nissan Magnite 2024 Worth Buying?
The Nissan Magnite 2024 offers a compelling package, especially with its turbocharged engine and enhanced safety features. While it still lacks a few premium features like a sunroof or rain-sensing wipers, it compensates with solid build quality, improved performance, and excellent safety features.
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, the Magnite should definitely be on your list. The turbo variant, in particular, stands out as the best option for those who enjoy a more spirited driving experience.
With a fun-to-drive nature, noticeable refinement improvements, and a competitive price, the 2024 Nissan Magnite is a solid contender in the subcompact SUV segment.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Magnite’s facelift brings in much-needed updates that keep it relevant in the fiercely competitive Indian market. With its combination of performance, safety, and affordability, it’s no surprise that Nissan continues to sell over 2,000 units each month. If you’re looking for a compact SUV under ₹10-12 lakh, the Nissan Magnite is definitely worth a test drive.
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