Nissan has rolled out the first-ever facelift of its popular sub-4m SUV, the Magnite, with prices starting at ₹5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). These introductory prices are available only for the first 10,000 bookings, adding excitement for those looking to snag the refreshed model early. So, what has changed in this facelift, and is it enough to stand out in a fiercely competitive segment?
Exterior Updates: Subtle but Noticeable
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift stays true to its original design, which already looked modern when launched in 2020. The updates are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but they still keep the Magnite fresh. Fundamental changes include revised head- and tail-light cluster elements featuring a new H-shaped motif. The front bumper has been tweaked for a chunkier look, and the grille now sports a honeycomb pattern flanked by thick chrome accents, giving the SUV a bolder stance. It also rides on new 16-inch alloys, and Nissan has introduced a new colour option: Sunrise Copper Orange, adding a fresh pop to its palette.
Interior: Familiar but More Stylish
Inside, the Magnite retains its familiar dashboard layout but has new dual-tone black and orange upholstery that livens the cabin. Soft-touch leatherette materials on the dashboard and door panels add a more premium feel compared to the outgoing model. Other upgrades include a piano black finish on the steering wheel, enhancing its overall refinement.
Feature-Rich Cabin
Nissan has added some new features, including 4-colour ambient lighting, auto-dimming IRVM, and USB Type-C ports. Existing features like the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and cruise control continue to be part of the package. On the safety front, six airbags are now standard, along with ABS with EBD, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and electronic stability control.
Powertrain: Same Engine Options
Under the hood, the facelifted Magnite remains unchanged. It continues to offer the 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 71 BHP and a more powerful 1-litre turbo-petrol engine churning out 98.6 BHP. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, the NA engine paired to an AMT, and the turbo-petrol variant gets a CVT. The turbo-petrol boasts a fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl with the manual gearbox and 17.4 kmpl with the CVT.
Pricing and Variants
The facelifted Magnite is available in six variants, with both naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engine options:
NA Petrol Variants:
- Visia: ₹5.99 lakh (MT) | ₹6.59 lakh (AT)
- Visia +: ₹6.49 lakh (MT)
- Acenta: ₹7.14 lakh (MT) | ₹7.64 lakh (AT)
- N-Connecta: ₹7.86 lakh (MT) | ₹8.36 lakh (AT)
- Tekna: ₹8.75 lakh (MT) | ₹9.25 lakh (AT)
- Tekna +: ₹9.10 lakh (MT) | ₹9.60 lakh (AT)
Turbo-Petrol Variants:
- Acenta: ₹9.19 lakh (MT) | ₹10.34 lakh (AT)
- Tekna: ₹9.99 lakh (MT) | ₹11.14 lakh (AT)
- Tekna +: ₹10.35 lakh (MT) | ₹11.50 lakh (AT)
Competitors: Tough Segment to Crack
With these updates, the Nissan Magnite facelift entered the sub-4m SUV market. It is ahead of strong competitors like the Maruti Fronx, Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Toyota Taisor, and Renault Kiger. While the facelift isn’t a game-changer, the enhancements may give it enough edge to stand its ground in this fiercely competitive space.
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift brings enough updates to keep the model relevant without overhauling its winning formula. With its introductory pricing, refreshed looks, and new features, the Magnite remains an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a well-rounded compact SUV. However, whether these changes are enough to take on segment heavyweights remains to be seen.
If you want to jump in, your clock is ticking on those first 10,000 bookings!
