Nissan has given buyers plenty of reasons to buy the Magnite compact SUV, chief among which is the aggressive pricing, as the entry-level model is available at Rs. 4.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The compact SUV comes with a lot of features, some of which Nissan claims are first-in-segment, is designed well and looks to be a worthy contender to compact SUVs as well as hatchbacks.
Nevertheless, in the interest of being neutral, we list out 4 reasons each for which the car should be chosen by buyers and why they might want to look elsewhere.
Nissan Magnite 4 Reasons To Buy
Design – There is no doubt that the Magnite is a stylish car. It has no bad angles despite being a sub-4-metre tall-riding vehicle. Of course, some might say it looks like a premium Datsun from the front. But it does not make it any less attractive.
Equipment – There is plenty to list here, be it the LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, multi-function steering wheel, 360-degree Around View Monitor or automatic AC. Also, there is a Tech Pack that adds even more equipment.
Turbo Petrol Engine – This 1.0-litre unit puts out 100 PS and up to 160 Nm (for MT, CVT versions have 152 Nm) and has decent shove. And get this, it is also the most fuel efficient, of the 2 engines offered with the car, when paired with the 5-speed MT, capable of returning up to 20 km/l.
Price – As mentioned earlier, Nissan Magnite reasons to buy list will have this at the very top. Forget the 1.0-litre NA petrol, even turbo petrol options start at Rs. 6.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and people looking to buy a hatchback would not mind considering the Magnite.
4 Reasons To Not Buy
Steering – We know that it is a tall-riding car designed to be driven strictly on the black stuff. But that does not mean the steering has to be uncommunicative. Commuter cars such as these need not handle like a charm, but chances are they will be the first car for many and steering feel instills confidence while driving and should not be dismissed easily.
Missing Features – A sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM and height-adjustable seatbelts are some of the features that are missing on the car. Although I do not know how much of a use a sunroof has in our climate, buyers these days prefer it, among other features, a lot.
No Diesel Engine – The global trend against diesel vehicles has pushed many manufacturers to offer only petrol models. While the engines offered by Nissan are good enough, they cannot offer the economy only a diesel engine can.
Limited Dealership Network – Let me put it this way, people will buy the Magnite, but would they buy a Nissan is the big question. Despite having been in the market for quite some time, the carmaker has limited reach and it knows that as well. Nissan has assured to expand its outlets in India soon. So, it will just be a matter of time before things fall in place for the carmaker.
