The Compact SUV segment is a good place to be right now if you're shopping around in that category.
There’s a host of manufacturers vying for your attention when you consider the Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Citroen C3, Hyundai Exter, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and the Suzuki Fronx.
There’s also the Nissan Magnite.
It’s a pity that the Japanese manufacturer is in the news for everything but vehicles with failed on-off merger talks with Honda, rumours of a deal with Tesla and Global CEO musical chairs.
For a company with its rich history and legacy they deserve better.
For now at least, South Africans are unperturbed, with the Magnite, their best seller by far reaching regular monthly sales of more than 800.
Exterior and interior
It recently received a nip and tuck with some exterior enhancements that includes a redesigned front grille, LED projector headlights and LED “Lightsaber” indicators.
At the back there are new tail lights with a 3D honeycomb gradient effect and in the case of the range-topping 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus CVT we had on test, it stands on 16-inch two tone alloys.
Buying patterns have changed with people now preferring looks, interior finishings and technology so to this end Nissan have listened and addressed them accordingly.
The interior changes are a big step up with almost all hard plastics covered with leatherette. It’s the first thing you notice when you step inside with the dash covered, door cards, centre storage compartment as well as the seats.
It immediately gives the interior of the Magnite a much more premium look and feel.
The seats are quilted leatherette with special Heat Guard technology that dissipates heat better and the foam and ergonomics have been improved making the seats more comfortable than some of the competition.
With the recent constant rain and clouds in Gauteng though I can’t tell if the Heat Guard actually works so we’ll have to take their word for it.
For a so-called budget car it gets premium features such as a 360 around-view monitor, cooled centre storage, leather-wrapped steering wheel, walk-away locking and door unlocking, the company’s Intelligent Rear View Mirror found on more high-end Nissan models and Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensors.
Sound, always an important element in buying decisions, is courtesy of an Arkamys 3D sound system, there’s four-coloured ambient lighting, a seven-inch configurable TFT driver information display and an all-important eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Engines
There are two engine options available.
An entry level naturally aspirated three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine with 53kW and 96Nm paired with a five-speed manual transmission or automated manual transmission.
The second option is a turbo-charged 1.0- litre mill producing 74kW and 152Nm connected to a continuously variable transmission in our test unit.
Driving
Most motoring scribes don’t like CVTs but in the grander scheme of things buyers don’t seem too fazed, so we'll have to accept it and move on.
It works relatively well in the Magnite moving it along seamlessly and adjusting as the car gains momentum.
There’s not much whine under normal conditions but once you start to accelerate hard with some aggressive throttle inputs there’s an inevitable engine noise as the revs climb before it finds the ideal balance.
In the broader scheme of things it’s hardly significant when put into perspective and the Magnite’s intended purpose.
Will it cart around holiday luggage and kids’ school and sports bags in the 336 litre boot (690 litres with the rear seats folded down), will it drive around effortlessly in town and will it get to your holiday destination without any fuss? Absolutely.
Like I said, there’s some drone when you accelerate to pass slower traffic or join the highway but once it has settled down, it coasts along easily with very little road or wind noise.
Keep in mind though it’s a small capacity turbo–charged engine in the Highveld so there will be some strain with quick pullaways and at high speeds.
The steering is light and direct and one thing I like about the segment is how easily they are parked in minimum spec shopping mall bays.
When asked to do some twists and sharp turns it will oblige with little body roll and the brakes will quickly bring it to a stop.
Safety-wise it gets six airbags, ABS, EBD, Nissan Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Hydraulic Brake assist.
At R410 700 the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus CVT is towards the high end of the scale, but the upgrades do give it a premium look and feel and it’s a well-rounded package. Personally I would spend R40 000 less on the Acenta CVT which probably provides the most value for money in the range.
It comes with a three-year/30 000km service plan and six-year /150 000km warranty.
Willem’s star rating: 3.5/5
Star Rating Scale:
5 Stars: Exceptional A best-in-class car with outstanding features, no major flaws, and excellent value.
4 Stars: Very Good Highly capable with minor shortcomings. A great choice for most buyers.
3 Stars: Good Decent performance, comfort, or safety but lacks standout qualities or has notable drawbacks.
2 Stars: Below Average Some significant flaws, like poor value, outdated features, or compromised safety or comfort.
1 Star: Poor Lags behind competitors in most aspects, with serious deficiencies in key areas.