Nissan Magnite gets updates ahead of RDE norms

Nissan has updated the Magnite compact SUV to meet the upcoming Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms, while giving it more safety features as standard. Active safety features like Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are now standard across the entire Magnite line-up.

1. Nissan Magnite gets no cosmetic changes
2. India-spec Nissan SUVs coming from 2025

Nissan has also deleted a few features. For instance, the LED foglamps have been deleted from the XV variant, and are only available on the top-spec XV Premium. Similarly, the mid-spec XL variant loses the rear parcel shelf and front tweeters. Prices for the Magnite start at Rs 5.97 lakh and go up to Rs 10.94 lakh, however, these are expected to change with the update.

Nissan Magnite safety update: details

Before this update, only the turbo-petrol variants of the Magnite got features like ESC, Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist, while tyre pressure monitoring system was available only in the higher variants of both the turbo and naturally aspirated variants of the compact SUV. With this update though, all these active safety features are available as standard even on the base XE variant. Recently, Nissan’s cousin model, the Renault Kiger, also got these safety features as standard recently.

It must be noted, however, that the Magnite continues with only dual front airbags, while most of its rivals, including the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Renault Kiger, offer at least four airbags on higher variants. Nissan is also yet to make ISOFIX child-seat mounts as standard across the Magnite line-up.

What are the other changes to the Magnite? 

Nissan has only updated the safety features for now, and there are no cosmetic or mechanical changes. Nissan’s bread-and-butter offering for India continues to be offered with two powertrain options – a 72hp, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard, while buyers can opt for the CVT in the turbo range.

The Magnite is one of the more affordable offerings in the sub-four-metre compact SUV segment and rivals everything from the Tata Punch and Renault Kiger to the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet.

India-spec Nissan SUVs, EVs coming from 2025

Nissan and its alliance partner Renault recently announced a new investment of Rs 5,300 crore in the Indian market. The investment will mainly be to launch six new, locally produced cars and SUVs equally divided between the two brands. Nissan will get two made-for-India SUVs and an entry-level EV from 2025 onwards. Meanwhile, the carmaker is also considering a derivative of Renault's Triber MPV.

While the India-spec SUVs and EVs are still some time away, Nissan will keep its portfolio fresh with CBU SUVs that were showcased in October 2022. Out of these, the X-Trail is confirmed for launch, while the Qashqai and Juke are being evaluated. Till the X-Trail arrives, the Magnite will be Nissan India’s sole product as the Kicks midsize SUV will soon get discontinued ahead of the upcoming RDE norms. 

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Also see: 

Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta on upcoming EVs, new product launches

Nissan Magnite review, road test