Over the past month, the Nissan Magnite CVT has proven to be a compelling compact SUV, particularly in its eye-catching Sunrise Copper Orange shade. The bold design, with its striking LED DRLs and sharp lines, has grown on me — it stands out in a segment crowded with bland styling. However, while the exterior impresses, the infotainment system feels dated. The low-resolution screen hampers the Apple CarPlay experience, and an upgrade here would significantly improve cabin tech.
Fit and finish have been solid, and the air conditioning deserves special praise — it cools the cabin rapidly, a blessing during the early monsoon heat. On the road, the steering takes some getting used to — it’s oddly weighted at first, but adaptation comes quickly. The 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, paired with the CVT, delivers smooth performance on highways, though steep climbs reveal its limitations — this isn’t a hill-climb champion. Engine noise does seep into the cabin under acceleration, but it’s a minor gripe.
Where the Magnite truly shines is space and value. The cabin is surprisingly roomy, and Nissan has cleverly packaged this SUV to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. It’s easy to see why the Magnite has kept Nissan relevant in India — it offers style, practicality, and decent drivability at an attractive price. If Nissan addresses the infotainment and refines the driving dynamics slightly, it could be even more competitive. For now, though, it’s a strong choice in its segment.
