Nissan has unveiled the new Magnite compact SUV, introducing a left-hand drive version set to expand its reach to over 65 markets. The unveiling took place in Delhi, India, where the Magnite is built, marking a significant milestone for Nissan as the vehicle transitions from catering primarily to right-hand drive markets to becoming a global offering.
Built at Nissan’s state-of-the-art Chennai plant, the new Magnite combines striking design, advanced technology, efficient performance, and smart safety features. Its introduction into markets across Africa, the Middle East, and India forms a key part of Nissan’s broader strategy under its new business plan, “The Arc.”
Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson of Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) Region, emphasised the importance of the launch, saying, “The Magnite is already well established in India and other right-hand drive markets, but today’s unveil is an important landmark for Nissan in the region. Under the strategy of what we call ‘One Car, One World’, we will now export the new Magnite to a total of more than 65 markets from our state-of-the-art factory in Chennai.
With this, India will become an export hub for Nissan. We are confident that the new Magnite will be equally loved and appreciated in markets like South Africa and Saudi Arabia as it is in India.”
The new Magnite offers bold exterior styling, featuring LED lights, alloy wheels, and roof rails. Inside, the vehicle is equipped with a digital TFT configurable driver display, a floating central screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Rear passengers benefit from a USB charger and air vents, while the cabin’s atmosphere is enhanced with four-colour adjustable ambient lighting.
Other convenient features include remote engine start, walk-away locking, and an air ionizer, catering to customer comfort. Safety remains a priority with a reinforced steel body, six airbags as standard, and three-point seat belts for all passengers. The rear-view mirror has also been designed to improve driver visibility, automatically dimming to reduce glare.
The Magnite is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, offering 74kW (99hp) and 160Nm of torque, available with either a manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This engine promises a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, achieving up to 20 km/l in its manual version. The suspension setup includes independent Macpherson struts at the front and a semi-independent coil spring at the rear, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.XC
With compact dimensions of less than four metres in length and a 2500mm wheelbase, the Magnite is designed for urban mobility, comfortably seating five passengers. Its Around View Monitor, a Nissan innovation, provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making parking in tight spaces easier and stress-free.
Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President, AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, commented, “The Magnite represents everything Nissan stands for in a really compelling, compact package. It projects a confident attitude thanks to its striking design. This is combined with great tech innovations, while peace of mind comes from numerous safety features. And performance from its downsized turbo engine is lively but economical.”
Since its launch in December 2020, the Magnite has sold over 150,000 units across India and international markets. Previously available only in right-hand drive, the introduction of the left-hand drive version enables Nissan to reach an additional 50 markets. By 2026, the Magnite’s export volume is expected to reach nearly 100,000 units, making it the most widely distributed model produced in Nissan’s AMIEO region.
Nissan’s Chennai manufacturing facility, the Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Limited (RNAIPL), plays a pivotal role in the brand’s global strategy. The 600-acre plant, which has exported over 1.2 million vehicles to more than 100 destinations since 2010, is now set to increase its contributions further. As part of Nissan’s commitment to sustainability, RNAIPL aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2025, with over 75% of its energy already sourced from renewables.
