What’s NEXT from Nissan: Japanese carmaker unleashes Magnite B-SUV

Billed as a “true reflection” of the automaker’s “Nissan-ness”, the Japan-headquartered brand officially launched its latest offering — the highly anticipated Magnite B-SUV — to a global audience on Wednesday 21 October.

Launched across the world on a virtual platform, the Magnite will enjoy its physical debut in south and sub-Saharan African territories in early 2021.

Magnite to hit SA shores with all its ‘Nissan-ness’

News of the Magnite’s imminent arrival in South Africa came out of Roslyn, from where — in a series of positioning statements — Nissan South Africa clearly set out its expectations and aspirations for the new model.

“Nissan ignites the imagination and desire to thrive with the new Magnite B-SUV. It is a true reflection of the ‘Nissan-ness’ concept that aims to empower people through breakthrough products and technologies.

“What better way to empower the South and sub-Saharan Africa market by having the new Magnite on our roads early next year,” enthused Nissan.

Driving Nissan’s NEXT strategy

Unveiled to a global audience via a virtual event, key spokespersons from Nissan’s leadership teams across the world presented the live-streamed event.

“The all-new Nissan Magnite plays a vital role in our Nissan NEXT strategy and represents Nissan’s undeniable commitment to the South African and sub-Saharan markets to be a customer-centric organisation,” said Nissan Group Africa marketing director Kabelo Rabotho.

SUV DNA of ‘relentless innovation’

This, Nissan said, is a testimony to the manufacturer’s global SUV DNA of relentless innovation, advanced technology, and Japanese engineering.

It features the latest technology as a part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision as to how vehicles are powered, driven, and integrated into society.

Designed in Japan, keeping in mind the requirements and aspirations of its customers, the all-new Nissan Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that provide consumers with a differentiated, innovative and accessible ownership experience.

Nissan Magnite: ‘Statuesque presence’ with premium design

With built-in “statuesque presence”, Nissan said the Magnite is expected to stand out even in the most bustling of streets.

“Made with the perfect blend of style and functionality, its first-in-segment Flare Garnet Red (Tint-Coat) Colour exudes premium-ness through depth and quality,” explained the automaker.

“The sleek headlamps, L-shape LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and dominating front grille is unlike any other design in the B-SUV segment. When it comes to the interiors, the all-new Nissan Magnite has achieved the best level of packaging and seating comfort.”

Along with that, the all-new Nissan Magnite also has a tech pack which has a wireless charger, air purifier, puddle lamps, ambient mood lighting and premium speakers: JBL powered by Harman,” enthused Nissan.

The model boasts 60/40-split foldable rear seats for utmost flexibility and luggage room capacity of 336 litres.

Powerful performance and Japanese technology

A first in its segment, the all-new Nissan Magnite is also equipped with one of Nissan’s top support technologies, the Around View Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a virtual bird’s eye view from above the vehicle.

And not forgetting the music-loving drivers, the Magnite is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment display with full flush touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with built-in voice recognition. Nissan Connect is another included feature which offers more than 50 features, with geofence, roadside assistance, smartwatch connectivity being among them.

Frugal on fuel: Six tech improvements

As one of the most fuel-efficient (20 km/l) B-SUVs in the market, it comes with a powerful engine, the HRA0, which delivers higher torque at a lower speed than normal torque.

The all-new HRA0 1.0-litre Turbo engine is available with Manual 5-speed and X-TRONIC CVT gearbox. The HRA0 1.0-litre Turbo engine adopts “mirror bore cylinder coating” technology from world-class sports cars such as the Nissan GT-R that reduces resistance inside the engine, thus delivering smooth acceleration and efficient use of fuel.

The Magnite also features six technical improvements that result in better fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions. The HRA0 1.0-litre Turbo engine provides a new experience of responsive and quicker acceleration, while also reducing noise.

Nissan’s signature X-TRONIC CVT gearbox, Cruise Control and wider gear range, allows the model to deliver seamless performance even in peak city traffic.

Safety first

The Magnite is built with high strength and impact-absorbing efficient body structure.

It come equipped with safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), speed sensing door lock, central locking and SRS dual airbag system with pretension and load limiter seatbelt for the driver and passenger.

Confidently, Nissan claims its new Magnite is the perfect modern crossover that will delight South Africa, as well the sub-Saharan countries it will become available in.

Pricing is expected to be revealed closer to the start of sales in 2021.