Words by Fact Jeke
WITH over 150 000 sold across the globe since its introduction in 2020, the Nissan Magnite has quickly found its niche. Last week in the mother city saw the debut of the vehicle in Cape Town , the Mother City.
South Africa was the first stop after the launch in India last month. The many seasons which dominate Cape town would not stop the motoring journalists and influencers from taking in the sites as we drove in the city and coastline.
Having a nippy compact SUV on African soil which delivers more than how it looks was a joy.
We had an opportunity to eat great food, explore the city and even got to test our creative skills in art at a local design studio. This was all thanks to the Nissan Team which saw it fit that we fully explore this vehicle and also be Insync with the land and its people.
At the business session, we were enlightened and made to understand what to expect in the model year 2025 Magnite from the custodians of the brand.
Speaking at the event , Nissan Africa President, Jordi Vila said,
“We are very excited about the Magnite, which had its global launch last month in India. It will be introduced for the first time to both right and left-hand drive markets in Africa, spanning the continent from north to south. The New model was revealed in South Africa where it has sold a highly respectable 26 000 units since its start of sales in June 2021,”
“It is a key pillar of the Arc, Nissan’s mid-term business plan and a major milestone in Nissan Africa’s product strategy,” Vila added.
“Our engineers have taken an incredible design and made it even better to the benefit of our legions of local Magnite fans and I have no doubt, a whole new generation of motorists who will make full use of the Magnite’s potential to allow them to go their own way with all the latest technology that they will need,” says Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa managing director, Maciej Klenkiewicz.
“We pride ourselves at Nissan about being innovative and providing mobility solutions across the market. The new Magnite is a vital part of just that, and I look forward to seeing how it continues its journey into the hearts and minds of South African motorists,” Klenkiewicz stated.
When it comes to styling and technology, the Magnite is a striking compact SUV, with robust exterior styling complemented by LED lights front and rear, alloy wheels and roof rails.
It retains its striking looks and robust exterior styling, adding a configurable TFT driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Life on board is also enhanced with adjustable four colour ambient lighting.
Other new features (model specific) include the innovative remote engine start and the walkaway lock and approach unlock function, cooled glove box storage and on-board air ioniser, which is ideal for motorists and passengers with allergies or respiratory conditions.
With customers’ reassurance in mind, its bodyshell uses high-tensile steel for impressive structural integrity. The updated Magnite features six airbags across all variants, and the bodyshell’s integrity is reinforced with the use of reinforced steel. An auto dimming rear view mirror is available.
It is powered by two 1.0-litre engines with one turbocharged, offering an optimum balance of fuel economy and responsive performance, paired by either a manual, automated manual (AMT) or continuously variable transmission.
Thanks to independent Macpherson strut suspension with anti-roll bars and rebound springs at the front and semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear, occupants will enjoy a comfortable, calm ride without excess roll or pitch, even in the most challenging road conditions.
This baby is ideal for urban cruising, able to accommodate five passengers thanks to its generous wheelbase. The Around View Monitor provides a bird’s eye view of the car from four cameras relieving all the stress from parking in tight spaces.
Vehicle statistics
Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – BR10)
999 cc
3-cylinder
53 kW @ 6 250 r/min
96 Nm @ 3 500 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.9 litres / 100 km
Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – HR10)
999 cc
3-cylinder
74 kW @ 5 000 r/min
152 Nm @ 2 200 r/min – 4 400 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.27 litres / 100 km
Grade Walk
Visia
- 6-airbags (front, side and curtain airbags)
- Vehicle Dynamic Control
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensors
- Electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors
- Speed-sensing lock with child lock and impact-sensing unlocking
- Multi-function steering controls
- Automatic air conditioning
- Shark fin antenna
- 16 steel wheels with wheel cover
- Roof rails
Acenta
- All the features of the Visia, and
- Display Audio – 8” touch-screen infotainment system with floating design
- Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Frameless auto-dimming mirror
- Front LED fog lamps
- LED daytime running lights
- Approach unlock and walk-away locking
- Keyless Start/Stop
- 7” TFT information screen
- 16” alloy wheels with two-tone design
- Plasma air purifier
- LED headlamps
Acenta Plus
- Two-tone leather seats with special heat-resistant coatings
- All of the features of the Acenta, and
- Around View Monitor – four-camera array with bird’s eye view camera angles
- Remote starting (on the CVT model only)
- Leather Steering wheel
- Cruise control with speed limiter (CVT only).
If you are looking for a budget compact SUV in 2025, then the Nissan Magnite needs to feature on your shortlist. This low-priced SUV has been on the top list for very long due to its very attractive design and modern features, coupled with its competitive price.
In 2025 or before the year closes do pop in at any Nissan Dealership in Zimbabwe, chat to a sales representative, arrange a test drive, pick a spec tailored to your needs and do the necessary payments. Middle managers, young executives, or just because you want in a lovely burnt orange, AMTEC, AMC, NISSAN CLOVER LEAF & CROCO NISSAN are ready to assist.