Nissan just launched the Magnite sub-4m SUV on December 2, but two months after the production-spec model was unveiled. it’s gone all out and priced the SUV aggressively with an introductory starting figure of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Magnite is out there in five variants and while we had done a story on its variants in images earlier, we’ve now got our hands on some raw shots of the SUV’s base-spec XE variant. Take a look:
Being the base-spec variant, the Magnite XE looks quite simpler than its more premium variants. it’s offered in just two exterior shades: white and silver. Up front, it gets basic halogen headlamps, chrome surround round the big grille (that resembles the one seen on the facelifted Datsun redi-GO), and L-shaped chrome strips in lieu of the LED DRLs on the upper variants.
Its basic nature is further amplified when the SUV is viewed from the side but Nissan’s option to offer 16-inch wheels as standard helps the affordable model look acceptable. It gets non-body-coloured outside rearview mirrors and switch indicators positioned next to the ORVMs on the front fenders. The Magnite also has functional roof rails which will bear a load of up to 50kg.
At the rear, the bottom variant of the SUV is seen with a roof-mounted spoiler with the stoplight integrated into it. you’ll also spot the name of the SUV spelt across the bootlid and a clear black body cladding for the bumper. Nissan is offering a rear wiper, washer and demister as standard as seen on the XE variant.
Inside the base-spec XE, the Magnite gets a clean design because of the dual-tone layout. It gets black fabric seats with grey accents, black inside door handles, chrome surround for the air-con vents, internally-adjustable ORVMs, and front and rear power windows. Nissan, however, doesn’t offer the XE variant with an sound system .
Although it’s the bottom variant, the Magnite XE does feature an LED instrument cluster (similar to the one offered on the Renault Triber) with a 3.5-inch MID within the centre. It also gets chrome accents on the wheel to form it look more appealing.
The base-spec XE variant is obtainable only with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (72PS/96Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Nissan also offers a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit on the upper variants of the Magnite that’s offered with either a 5-speed MT or a CVT. Its output stands at 100PS and 160Nm (152Nm with the CVT gearbox).
Nissan has priced the Magnite within the range of Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 9.59 lakh (introductory prices, ex-showroom Delhi, valid only till the top of 2020). The SUV goes up against the Ford EcoSport, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and therefore the upcoming Renault Kiger.