When the Nissan Magnite launched in 2020, few could have predicted it would become a leading contender for the brand in South Africa just five years later. At that time, Nissan’s local line-up was dominated by bakkies, hatchbacks, SUVs, and a sedan, yet the company now offers only four models in the country. Among them, the Magnite has become the key player, outperforming competitors such as the Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV300, and Hyundai Exter in terms of sales.
A Fresh New Look
The Nissan Magnite received a facelift late last year, bringing fresh design updates and features. Its front end is more striking, with new headlamps, a bold honeycomb grille, a redefined foglight arrangement, and an imitation skid plate. At the rear, blacked-out taillights, a new bumper, and a skidplate offer an updated appearance. Additionally, the Magnite now rides on new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, further enhancing its stylish look.
Modern Nissan Magnite Features and Comfort
The top-end Magnite Acenta Plus variant comes loaded with a range of premium features, such as a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a revised 7-inch digital instrument cluster. It also boasts a two-tone leatherette interior option, combining black and brown, although the colour choice might not suit everyone. Nissan has added a heat-resistant coating to the seats, which helps keep them cool under the sun. Other creature comforts include ambient lighting, keyless start/stop, remote engine start, an air purifier, and a 360-degree camera for added convenience.
Performance and Driveability
Under the bonnet, the Acenta Plus is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 74kW of power and 152Nm of torque. This is a noticeable upgrade over the base engine, which generates only 53kW and 96Nm. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to drive the front wheels, providing a smoother experience compared to the manual or automated manual gearboxes available on lower models.
However, the turbocharged engine doesn’t quite live up to its promising numbers. On the road, it suffers from significant turbo lag, making acceleration feel sluggish, which can be frustrating in stop-and-go driving. Once in motion, the recalibrated CVT works more seamlessly, keeping things relatively smooth. The suspension is solid, although the brakes feel a bit too spongy, requiring more force than expected.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
While the Magnite is marketed as fuel-efficient, our experience did not reflect the manufacturer’s claims of 5.27 litres per 100km. With a 300km test drive, which featured limited open-road driving, the vehicle consumed around 9L/100km—quite high for such a compact car. While this is not a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s a factor that potential buyers may want to consider.
Is the Acenta Plus Worth the Price?
The Nissan Magnite starts at a very competitive R246,200, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable SUV. However, the Acenta Plus model, priced at R410,700, may struggle to justify its cost against the competition. The price range brings a host of rival vehicles with similar or superior offerings, making it harder for the Magnite to stand out. While the Acenta Plus certainly provides a solid package with a trusted Nissan badge, its higher price could be its most significant disadvantage.
Also Read: Revamped Nissan Magnite Targets Competitors as Key Model for the Brand’s Revival
In conclusion, the Nissan Magnite offers great value at the entry-level, but the top-end Acenta Plus, while well-equipped, might face challenges in convincing buyers when the competition is this fierce.
