Among all the new Crossover/SUV models launched recently, the Nissan Magnite could be considered to be the odd man out, or the one that's different from all the rest.
Where all the competitors make use of 1.5L naturally aspirated engines, the Magnite uses a little 1L 3 cylinder turbo to do the job. The Magnite is also, in my opinion, one of the better looking entrants into the segment with very neat lines and 2 tone paintwork on the test car. Metallic blue with white roof and silver contrasting on bumpers, skid plate and roof racks.
The test car was in the lower Accenta trim, yet this still offers a very high specification level. Items like the 8 inch infotainment screen with reverse camera, cruise control, keyless entry and start, 16 inch alloy wheels and even an inductive charging pad in the centre console. The higher spec Accenta Plus adds LED headlights, surround view on the camera system and an armrest atop a storage compartment between the front seats.
The turbo engine provides 74kW and 152Nm so is quite peppy off the line albeit with a bit of turbo lag before things get going. It definitely feels a bit quicker off the mark as opposed to the competition but........there is a price to pay in fuel consumption if you drive with a bit of enthusiasm. Our overall fuel consumption for a good mix of driving conditions was 7.8L/100km.
The Magnite is offered with either 5 speed manual or CVT automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The test car was the CVT and, once again, I believe that this is an ideal application for this market segment. I drove both manual and CVT at the recent launch and have no complaints about the CVT for a vehicle of this type. It's smooth, easy and comfortable in all conditions.
With the market so crowded in this segment, the Magnite certainly holds its own against the opposition and is unique in providing the turbo option. In my opinion, that's a choice for the buyer to make.
Price as tested is R280 100 with the Accenta Plus at R305 700. A 3 year/ 30 000km service plan is included.
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12 авг 2021
