The Magnite is the Lone Ranger in Nissan India’s portfolio but it still continues to churn out decent sales numbers. Compared to last year, the figures have dropped but this is the reason why Nissan is introducing the Magnite AMT this festive season. According to the Japanese company, roughly 30 per cent accounts for automatics in this segment and Nissan wants to make the most of it by launching an affordable AMT option.
The 5-speed AMT is borrowed from the Renault Kiger and is expected to be priced aggressively as Nissan will compete against the micro SUVs, premium hatchbacks and the sub 4 metre compact SUVs. Here’s our first take on the Magnite AMT.
Nissan Magnite AMT: Engine and Transmission
The AMT will be the second automatic gearbox option available in the Magnite range after the CVT in the 1-litre turbo petrol. The AMT is mated to the 1-litre naturally aspirated powertrain that has an output of 71bhp and 96NM. Now these figures may come across as fairly modest but it is targeted for the commuter segment. The power delivery is linear and now mated to the AMT, the gears upshift quickly to ensure that not even an extra drop of petrol is unnecessarily consumed.
With the typical nature of an AMT, it upshifts just after passing the 2,500 rpm, but sadly, it remains lazy when it comes to downshifting. There were times when we had to take a U-turn, the AMT would stay on in second gear where the vehicle would struggle to get adequate power. The same is the case on inclines. The other thing that is quite pronounced is the gear shift where a slight lag and jerkiness can be felt. To date, Maruti Suzuki remains the best in the business when it comes to refined AMT technology. The engine and the AMT combination work well for tackling stop-start traffic in the urban setting. Apart from offering an effortless driving experience, it will also be fuel-efficient. During our drive, the Magnite returned over 15 kmpl.
We also took the Magnite on the highway where it struggled to pick up speed quickly. The Magnite AMT accelerated at a measured pace and once cruising at high speed, it was a challenge to overtake. The cheat code here is to slot the gear lever to manual which completely changes the driving dynamics of the Magnite. It feels more peppy and lets you downshift at will. The 1-litre engine isn’t the most refined in the business and gets noisy as the rpm needle climbs higher.
Watch Video: Nissan Magnite AMT Review
Nissan Magnite AMT: Exteriors and Interiors
We totally agree with this philosophy, “What’s not broke don’t fix it”, but Nissan could have upgraded the Magnite and introduced some new features. In terms of the design, the Magnite makes a bold statement that makes it stand out in the crowd. It has a road presence like no other vehicle in its segment, but as the competition is sprucing up its vehicles, a nip-and-tuck job wouldn’t have hurt Nissan like a new set of alloy wheels.
One of its USPs is that it has a colossal ground clearance of 205mm which ensures the underbody doesn’t get bottomed out. The boot space, on the other hand, remains limited to 336 litres and with the loading bay raised high, keeping heavy luggage bags can be a challenge.
The cabin is spacious as the Magnite has an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a 7-inch all-digital instrument console. The wireless phone charge remains optional and there’s no front armrest. The Magnite offers a tried-and-tested USB port and a 12V socket in the centre console, but they might have missed a trick in offering a Type-C charging slot.
The Magnite has its bases covered when it comes to features as it gets a dual climate control, seatbelt reminder, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, hill start assist, dual airbags, parking sensors, electronic stability program, traction control, speed alert, and a lot more. Regarding safety, the Magnite is one of the most well-built vehicles in its class as it was awarded a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP last year.
Nissan Magnite AMT: Verdict
The Magnite AMT will be one of the most value-for-money vehicles in its segment. It is packed with all the features expected but with the competition upping its ante, hence, the Nissan SUV feels basic. The engine might not be very smooth but it is fuel efficient and the cabin remains spacious. The design remains the Magnite’s USP as it still looks fresh and imposing. The AMT option will come standard across the range, so we are expecting Nissan to price it aggressively and compete against the likes of Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and i20, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Renault Kiger to undercut the Tata Nexon, Brezza, Venu and Kia Sonet.
