The Magnite sub-compact SUV has been an instrumental product for Nissan in India. The Magnite has single-handedly managed to turn around the Japanese carmaker's fortunes in India, thanks to its excellent value proposition. The Nissan Magnite, along with the Renault Kiger, are currently solely manufactured at Renault-Nissan's plant in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. Nissan India has commenced exports of the Magnite to Nepal, South Africa, and Indonesia. In fact, in Nepal, the Magnite racked up more than 760 bookings within a month of its launch in February 2021.
The carmaker had previously said that they have big plans with the Magnite and that India will become an export hub for the sub-compact SUV. Commenting on the latest development, Nissan India President Sinan Ozkok said,
“Following a successful global launch, the all-new Nissan Magnite has been very well received by the Indian consumers. Having already made a mark in the Indian market with its impeccable design and the latest technology, the all-new Nissan Magnite is driving excitement amongst customer on a global scale. Built on the philosophy of “Make in India, Make for the World, the all-new Nissan Magnite will explore more export markets after the overwhelming customer response it has received in the Nepal market. We are confident that the game changer SUV will strengthen the exports as part of Nissan NEXT transformation plan for our sustainable growth”.
Also Read : Nissan Magnite User Review - Owner Shares Pros & Cons - VIDEO
As of May 2021, Nissan India has produced 15,010 units of the SUV, of which 1,220 units have been earmarked for exports. That said, given the extended waiting period that the Magnite is seeing in our market, Nissan is currently focusing their efforts only on the domestic market, in attempt to bring down the waiting period. Currently, Nissan is operating in three shifts at it's Oragadam plant, manufacturing just over 2700 units a month. The company aims to increase production capacity to around 3,500 units a month by July. These plans, however, could be challenged by way of global shortage of semiconductor chips as well as the Covid-19 situation in the country.
Nissan sells the Magnite in five trim levels in India - XE, XL, XV, XV Premium and XV Premium (O) - and with two petrol engine options. There's a 72hp, 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 100hp 1.0L turbo-petrol engine. The base 1.0L engine solely comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox while the turbo-petrol engine additionally also gets the option of a CVT automatic gearbox. While the base 1.0L engine is available on all but the top trim, the turbo-petrol engine is available on all but the base trim, in both manual and automatic versions. Prices for the Nissan Magnite currently range between INR 5.59 lakh to INR 10.00 lakh (Ex-showroom).
The Magnite is one of the most feature loaded vehicles at this price point, some highlights being an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, cruise control, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, LED headlamps with DRLs, a 360-degree camera, keyless entry with push button start and much more. In a bid to keep prices low and yet offer features like ambient light, wireless charging and more, Nissan offers an optional Tech Pack for an additional INR 38,000. The Magnite sits in the over-crowded segment of sub-compact SUVs where it rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and the Ford Ecosport.
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