Nissan Magnite Facelift : In a bold move that’s set to shake up the fiercely competitive compact SUV market, Nissan has unveiled the facelifted version of its popular Magnite.
This refreshed model aims to build on the success of its predecessor while addressing some of the criticisms it faced.
With a starting price of Rs. 6.12 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Magnite continues to position itself as an affordable yet feature-rich option for budget-conscious buyers.
Nissan Magnite Facelift A Design Evolution: Subtle Yet Effective
At first glance, the 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift might not seem drastically different from its predecessor.
However, a closer inspection reveals thoughtful updates that enhance its overall appeal.
The exterior boasts a slightly broader front grille adorned with a glossy black finish, lending the SUV a more premium look. The bumper has been redesigned to appear chunkier, adding to the Magnite’s road presence.
While the side profile remains largely unchanged, Nissan has introduced refreshed dual-tone designs for the 16-inch alloy wheels.
This subtle update adds a touch of sophistication to the Magnite’s stance. At the rear, the most noticeable change comes in the form of tweaked taillights with new lighting elements. These modifications, though minor, contribute to a more cohesive and modern overall design.
A notable addition to the Magnite’s exterior is the shark fin antenna, a small but significant detail that enhances the SUV’s premium quotient.
The refreshed design retains the Magnite’s attractive compact crossover aesthetics while introducing elements that keep it relevant in an increasingly style-conscious market.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Interior Upgrades: A Step in the Right Direction
Stepping inside the new Magnite reveals more substantial changes compared to the exterior. Nissan has clearly listened to customer feedback and made efforts to elevate the cabin experience.
The overall layout remains neat and functional, but there’s a noticeable improvement in the use of materials and finishes.
The centerpiece of the interior is the new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
This upgrade addresses one of the main criticisms of the previous model and brings the Magnite in line with its competitors in terms of connectivity options.
The user interface has been praised for its intuitiveness, making it easy for drivers to navigate through various functions.
Another significant addition is the 7-inch digital driver’s display, which replaces the traditional analog instrument cluster.
While this digital display has been noted to be slightly slow in response, it undoubtedly adds a modern touch to the dashboard and provides more customizable information to the driver.
Comfort and convenience features have also seen improvements. The Magnite facelift retains popular elements like automatic climate control and rear AC vents while introducing new amenities.
A cooled glovebox, front armrest with storage space, and a wireless phone charger are welcome additions that enhance the overall user experience.
The inclusion of a remote engine start feature is particularly noteworthy, offering added convenience in extreme weather conditions.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Powertrain Options: Catering to Diverse Needs
Nissan has wisely chosen to retain the proven powertrain options from the pre-facelift model, offering a choice that caters to different driving preferences and budgets. The Magnite facelift comes with two engine options:
1.0-liter Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine:
Power output: 72 PS
Torque: 96 Nm
Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT)
Fuel efficiency: 19.4 kmpl (MT), 19.7 kmpl (AMT)
1.0-liter Turbo Petrol Engine:
Power output: 100 PS
Torque: Up to 160 Nm
Transmission options: 5-speed manual or CVT (continuously variable transmission)
Fuel efficiency: 19.9 kmpl (MT), 17.9 kmpl (CVT)
The naturally aspirated engine, available across all variants, provides a balanced mix of performance and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for city driving and occasional highway jaunts.
On the other hand, the turbo-petrol engine, offered from the Acenta variant onwards, caters to enthusiasts seeking more spirited performance without significantly compromising fuel efficiency.
The inclusion of an AMT option for the naturally aspirated engine is a smart move, offering the convenience of an automatic transmission at a more accessible price point.
Meanwhile, the CVT paired with the turbo-petrol engine provides a smooth driving experience, particularly suited for urban environments with stop-and-go traffic.
Variant Strategy and Pricing: Something for Everyone
Nissan has adopted a comprehensive variant strategy for the Magnite facelift, offering six broad trims: Visia, Visia Plus, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna, and Tekna Plus.
This wide range ensures that there’s a Magnite for every budget and requirement. The pricing structure is as follows:
Visia: Starting from Rs. 6.12 lakh
Visia Plus: Starting from Rs. 6.62 lakh
Acenta: Starting from Rs. 7.27 lakh
N-Connecta: Starting from Rs. 7.94 lakh
Tekna: Starting from Rs. 8.89 lakh
Tekna Plus: Starting from Rs. 9.24 lakh
The top-end variant, Tekna Plus with the turbo-petrol engine and CVT, is priced at Rs. 11.72 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, pan-India).
This pricing strategy positions the Magnite as one of the most affordable compact SUVs in the market, undercutting many of its rivals.
The recent price hike, ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 22,000 depending on the variant, still keeps the Magnite competitively priced, maintaining its value proposition in the segment.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Advanced Tech Features: A Cut Above the Rest
The Nissan Magnite facelift comes loaded with a host of advanced tech features that set it apart in its segment. Some of the standout features include:
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
7-inch digital driver display with enhanced graphics
360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM)
Wireless smartphone charging
Ambient lighting with customizable shades
Cruise control
Push-button start/stop
USB Type-C ports
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Steering-mounted controls
Redesigned key fob with remote engine start functionality
These features not only enhance the driving experience but also add a premium touch to the overall package, setting new standards for what buyers can expect in the compact SUV segment.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Safety Features: Prioritizing Occupant Protection
In an era where safety has become a crucial factor in car-buying decisions, Nissan has made significant strides with the Magnite facelift.
The SUV now comes standard with six airbags across all variants, a feature that was previously reserved for higher trims or not available at all in some competitors at this price point.
Other notable safety features include:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill Start Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
360-degree camera with blind spot monitor
ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Three-point seatbelts for all seats
Seatbelt reminders for all occupants
While the facelifted model is yet to undergo crash testing, it’s worth noting that its predecessor received a commendable 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
With the additional safety features and structural improvements, there’s optimism that the new Magnite could potentially improve upon this score.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Market Positioning and Competition
The Nissan Magnite facelift enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like the Renault Kiger, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300.
It also faces competition from sub-4m crossovers like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Taisor.
What sets the Magnite apart is its aggressive pricing strategy combined with a decent feature list and improved safety offerings.
While it may not boast the most extensive feature set in its class, it offers a compelling value proposition, especially for buyers prioritizing affordability without compromising on essential features and safety.
The Magnite’s strengths lie in its attractive design, spacious interior, and the option of a punchy turbo-petrol engine at a relatively accessible price point.
However, it faces challenges in terms of perceived build quality and the absence of some premium features offered by competitors.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Global Aspirations: Made in India, for the World
Nissan’s ambitions for the Magnite extend beyond the Indian market. The company has commenced exports of the left-hand-drive (LHD) version of the Magnite to various international markets.
In January 2025 alone, Nissan shipped nearly 2,900 units to Latin American countries, with plans to export over 7,100 units to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific region.
This move not only showcases the Magnite’s global appeal but also highlights India’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for Nissan.
The ability to produce both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive versions of the Magnite at its Chennai plant demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and its confidence in the quality of Indian manufacturing.
Customer Feedback and Initial Response
Early customer feedback for the Magnite facelift has been largely positive. Many buyers have praised the SUV for its value proposition, improved features, and enhanced safety offerings.
The addition of wireless smartphone connectivity and the digital driver’s display have been particularly well-received.
Some customers have noted improvements in the overall fit and finish compared to the pre-facelift model, suggesting that Nissan has addressed some of the quality concerns raised with the earlier version.
The retention of the punchy turbo-petrol engine has also been appreciated by driving enthusiasts.
However, some potential buyers have expressed disappointment at the absence of certain features like a sunroof, which are available in some competitors.
Additionally, while the interior quality has improved, some still feel it falls short of the premium feel offered by some rivals in the segment.
Future Prospects and Nissan’s Strategy
The launch of the Magnite facelift is part of Nissan’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the Indian market.
The company has stated its commitment to introducing more models and variants tailored to Indian consumers’ preferences.
Industry analysts speculate that the success of the Magnite could pave the way for Nissan to introduce more SUVs in the Indian market, possibly including electric variants in the future.
The company’s focus on localizing production and sourcing components from Indian suppliers is expected to help keep costs competitive while ensuring quality.
Nissan Magnite Facelift Conclusion: A Compelling Package with Room for Growth
The 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift represents a thoughtful evolution of an already popular model.
By addressing key criticisms of its predecessor and introducing meaningful upgrades, Nissan has strengthened the Magnite’s position in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
Its attractive pricing, coupled with improved safety features and a decent list of amenities, makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers looking to enter the SUV segment.
The retention of proven powertrain options, including the sprightly turbo-petrol engine, ensures that the Magnite caters to a wide range of driving preferences.
However, the Magnite is not without its shortcomings. The absence of certain features found in similarly priced competitors and concerns about overall build quality may deter some potential buyers.
Additionally, as the compact SUV segment continues to evolve rapidly, Nissan will need to stay agile and responsive to maintain the Magnite’s competitiveness.
In conclusion, the Nissan Magnite facelift presents itself as a value-for-money proposition in the compact SUV space.
It may not be the most feature-laden or premium offering in its segment, but it successfully balances affordability with practicality and style.
For buyers seeking a spacious, reasonably equipped, and affordable compact SUV, the new Magnite certainly warrants serious consideration.
As Nissan continues to refine and improve the Magnite, addressing its few remaining shortcomings, it has the potential to become an even stronger contender in the fiercely competitive Indian automotive market.
The Magnite’s success could very well play a crucial role in cementing Nissan’s position in India and serve as a springboard for the company’s future offerings in the country.
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