The New Nissan Magnite, launched to great acclaim globally in India last month, makes its highly anticipated South African debut with a two-day test series for local motoring journalists and influencers in Cape Town.

First introduced to the world in 2020, the Nissan Magnite has quickly found its niche with more than 150 000 vehicles being across the globe.

“We are very excited about the Magnite, which had its global launch last month in India. The New Magnite will be introduced for the first time to both right and left-hand drive markets in Africa, spanning the continent from north to south. The New model was revealed in South Africa where it has sold a highly respectable 26 000 units since its start of sales in June 2021,” says Nissan Africa President, Jordi Vila.

“The New Magnite is a key pillar of the Arc, Nissan’s mid-term business plan and a major milestone in Nissan Africa’s product strategy,” Vila adds.

“Our engineers have taken an incredible design and made it even better to the benefit of our legions of local Magnite fans and I have no doubt, a whole new generation of motorists who will make full use of the Magnite’s potential to allow them to go their own way with all the latest technology that they will need,” says Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa managing director, Maciej Klenkiewicz.

“We pride ourselves at Nissan about being innovative and providing mobility solutions across the market. The new Magnite is a vital part of just that, and I look forward to seeing how it continues its journey into the hearts and minds of South African motorists,” Klenkiewicz states.

Bold styling and advanced tech

The Magnite is a striking compact SUV, with robust exterior styling complemented by LED lights front and rear, alloy wheels and roof rails.

The new Magnite retains its striking looks and robust exterior styling, adding a configurable TFT driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Life on board is also enhanced with adjustable four colour ambient lighting.

Other new features (model specific) include the innovative remote engine start and the walkaway lock and approach unlock function, cooled glove box storage and on-board air ioniser, which is ideal for motorists and passengers with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Safety

With customers’ reassurance in mind, the Magnite’s bodyshell uses high-tensile steel for impressive structural integrity. The updated Magnite features six airbags across all variants, and the bodyshell’s integrity is reinforced with the use of reinforced steel. An auto dimming rear view mirror is available.

Efficient performance

The Magnite is powered by two 1.0-litre engines with one turbocharged, offering an optimum balance of fuel economy and responsive performance, paired by either a manual, automated manual (AMT) or continuously variable transmission.

Thanks to independent Macpherson strut suspension with anti-roll bars and rebound springs at the front and semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear, occupants will enjoy a comfortable, calm ride without excess roll or pitch, even in the most challenging road conditions.

Ideal for urban mobility

The Magnite is ideal for urban cruising, able to accommodate five passengers thanks to its generous wheelbase. The Around View Monitor provides a bird’s eye view of the car from four cameras relieving all the stress from parking in tight spaces.

Vehicle statistics

Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – BR10)

999 cc
3-cylinder
53 kW @ 6 250 r/min
96 Nm @ 3 500 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.9 litres / 100 km

Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – HR10)

999 cc
3-cylinder
74 kW @ 5 000 r/min
152 Nm @ 2 200 r/min – 4 400 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.27 litres / 100 km

Grade Walk

Visia

• 6-airbags (front, side and curtain airbags)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensors
• Electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors
• Speed-sensing lock with child lock and impact-sensing unlocking
• Multi-function steering controls
• Automatic air conditioning
• Shark fin antenna
• 16″ steel wheels with wheel cover
• Roof rails

Acenta

• All the features of the Visia, and
• Display Audio – 8” touch-screen infotainment system with floating design
• Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Frameless auto-dimming mirror
• Front LED fog lamps
• LED daytime running lights
• Approach unlock and walk-away locking
• Keyless Start/Stop
• 7” TFT information screen
• 16” alloy wheels with two-tone design
• Plasma air purifier
• LED headlamps

Acenta Plus

• Two-tone leather seats with special heat-resistant coatings
• All of the features of the Acenta, and
• Around View Monitor – four-camera array with bird’s eye view camera angles
• Remote starting (on the CVT model only)
• Leather Steering wheel
• Cruise control with speed limiter (CVT only).

Pricing

New Magnite

Magnite 1.0 Visia (MT)                  R246 200

Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT)              R277 300

Magnite 1.0 Visia (AMT)               R263 200

Magnite 1.0 Acenta (AMT)            R294 400

Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (AMT)    R323 900

New Magnite Turbo

Magnite 1.0T Visia (MT)                R309 700

Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT)              R340 100

Magnite 1.0 Acenta (CVT)             R370 500

Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (CVT)     R410 700