Nissan Magnite facelift was spotted testing recently with mild styling tweaks
Nissan India is gearing up for the launch of the Magnite facelift, which is expected to hit the market on 4th October. This marks the first significant update for the compact SUV since its launch in 2020. The facelift comes as part of Nissan India’s broader product strategy, which will see the company expand its lineup over the next two years with the addition of five new models. These include a C-segment SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta, an entry-level electric vehicle and the refreshed Magnite.
Since its debut, the Magnite has made a decent impact in the subcompact SUV segment, reaching the milestone of 1,00,000 sales by early 2024.
Expected Changes in the Facelift
The upcoming facelift is expected to focus on cosmetic enhancements while retaining the Magnite’s core design elements. The exterior may see updates to the bumpers, headlight and tail light design, as well as new colour options and alloy wheel designs. Nissan seems to be taking a cautious approach, maintaining the recognisable look that has resonated well with buyers, while offering subtle visual upgrades to keep the model fresh.
Inside the cabin, more significant changes are anticipated. The facelifted Magnite is likely to feature a larger touchscreen, a revamped instrument cluster, possibly inspired by the X-Trail and improved seat upholstery. Additional safety features, such as six airbags, are also expected to be part of the upgrade, further enhancing the appeal of the SUV in a safety-conscious market.
Powertrain Options Likely to Remain Unchanged
Under the hood, the Magnite facelift is expected to carry forward the existing powertrain options. The 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, producing 71 BHP and 96 Nm of torque, will likely continue to be offered alongside the more powerful turbocharged version. The turbo-petrol variant delivers 99 BHP and 160 Nm of torque and is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. The naturally aspirated version will likely remain paired with either a five-speed manual or an AMT.
Aggressive Pricing Strategy to Continue
The Magnite’s competitive pricing has been one of its strongest selling points and Nissan is expected to maintain this strategy with the facelifted version. In terms of competition, the Magnite will continue to go up against established rivals including the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Looking ahead, Nissan India is expected to follow up the Magnite facelift with the launch of two new models early next year, which may include a rebadged version of the new-generation Renault Duster.
