Nissan’s smallest SUV worldwide is almost
here and it’s called the Magnite, a combination of the words “magnetic” and
“ignite”. According to the Japanese carmaker, the term ‘magnetic’ is said to
highlight the design and the product attributes that will attract customers,
while the word ‘ignite’ signifies “the beginning of a new era that Nissan wants
to bring in India”.
What you see in the photos is actually the
Nissan Magnite Concept, with the production version to debut in fiscal year
2020 in India with very few changes. Built to compete in India’s B-SUV segment,
the Magnite (codename EM2) was originally meant to sport the Datsun badge.
However, since Nissan’s restructuring plan
calls for the budget brand to be gradually wound down, the EM2 project was
transferred to the automaker’s core brand. The Magnite looks rather familiar
thanks to styling cues such as its sweptback headlights, which remind us of the
larger Nissan Kicks. The octagonal grille and big L-shaped DRLs are more Datsun
than Nissan though.
The interior of the B-SUV was not
revealed, but Nissan says the Magnite could be among the roomiest models in its
class. The automaker also confirmed features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen,
connected tech, 360-degree cameras and cruise control. Automatic climate
control and a multifunction steering wheel could also be part of the package.
According to Autocar India, the Nissan
Magnite will arrive in India in January 2021 with two powertrains. The base
choice will be a 72 HP naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol
shared with the Renault Triber. The unit will be mated as standard to a
five-speed manual gearbox, with an automated manual likely to be offered as an
option. The second choice will be a 95 HP 1.0-liter turbocharged three-pot
hooked to either a five-speed manual or a CVT.
