By Prashirwin Naidu
In a rush to catch a flight from cloudy Johannesburg to sunny Cape Town, I looked forward to the launch of the updated Nissan Magnite. With stunning scenery and winding roads, the Mother City provided the perfect setting for this compact SUV. A refreshing change from Johannesburg’s concrete jungle, Cape Town offered a refreshing change from the usual hustle and bustle.
The launch, though not centred on extensive driving, offered other activities to engage the media. While these seemed somewhat unnecessary, a quick chat over coffee with two colleagues highlighted the Magnite’s appeal.
Since its 2021 debut, the Nissan Magnite has been a success in South Africa, selling over 25000 units. Its appeal lies not in performance but in its stylish design and affordability.
The updates to the new Magnite are subtle but keep it fresh. To expand its appeal, Nissan has introduced variants such as the Red Edition, Kuro Edition, and a panel van. With the NP200 retired, the Magnite plays a key role in Nissan’s lineup—not as a direct replacement but as an alternative to capture more market share.
The updated Magnite features a wider grille, thicker chrome surrounds and front and rear skid plates. LED headlights, dual-tone alloy wheels, and a full LED rear light cluster enhance its modern look. However, the Copper Orange paint, reminiscent of the Katsura Orange on the iconic GT-R, truly stands out.
The Magnite range includes nine models across three trims: Visia (R246 200), Acenta (R370500), and Acenta Plus (R410 700). Even the entry-level Visia is well-equipped, offering six airbags, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, vehicle dynamic control, electric side mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, 16-inch wheels and roof rails.
Our top-spec Acenta Plus test model featured two-tone orange leatherette seats, a surround-view monitor, a remote engine start for the CVT and cruise control. The infotainment system was easy to use, though connecting to Apple CarPlay took a while. Once connected, the 3D surround sound system delivered impressive audio quality. The Magnite offers two engine options: a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engineand a turbocharged version.
Driving the Acenta Plus with its turbocharged engine was uneventful but pleasant. Its quiet operation and strong low-end response made city driving effortless. While I’m not usually a fan of CVTs, this one impressed me with its smooth performance. The cabin was well-insulated, cosy and comfortable. The turbocharged engine offers livelier performance, comes with either a manual or CVT, and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 5.2 l/100 km.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time with the Magnite to test its capabilities on a longer stretch of road or check its fuel consumption. However, the luggage space was impressive, easily fitting five bags shared among my colleagues – a practical feature for families or road trips. The Magnite’s affordability makes it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, but newer budget-friendly Chinese competitors present a challenge.
I never really fancied the Magnite; it always felt lacking in character. However, the new model offers practicality and style while maintaining affordability. While its performance may not be thrilling, its versatility makes it a solid choice for urban commuters.
