By Timothy Albright
Compact SUVs have recently gained popularity in Kenya in recent years, and the Nissan Magnite, a dynamic urban SUV, is the latest addition to this highly competitive segment.
Launched in Kenya in September 2021 by Nissan Kenya, the Magnite is positioned as an affordable and feature-packed option for buyers who want a versatile and practical vehicle without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Magnite and see if it lives up to its promises.
The Magnite has a bold and modern design that sets it apart from other vehicles in this class. Its front fascia features a large chrome grille, sleek LED headlamps, and distinctive boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is characterized by muscular wheel arches, a rising beltline, and a sporty roofline that slopes down towards the rear.
At the back, the Magnite boasts a high-mounted LED stop lamp, a sculpted tailgate, and wraparound LED tail lamps that give it a distinctive look. Inside, the Magnite is spacious and well-appointed, with a range of features not typically found in this price range. The dashboard has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It also supports a rearview camera view.
The driver’s instrument cluster features a seven-inch digital display that shows important information such as speed, fuel level, and trip data. Other features include automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, power windows, and electrically adjustable ORVMs.
Performance and Safety
The Magnite is available with two engine options: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 71 horsepower and 96 Nm of torque; and a turbocharged version of the same engine that makes 99 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. The turbocharged engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic, while the naturally aspirated engine is only available with a manual gearbox.
In terms of safety, the Magnite comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera as standard across all variants. Higher variants get additional safety features such as a 360-degree camera, hill start assist, vehicle dynamic control, and traction control.
Driving Impressions
The Nissan Magnite is making waves in the automotive industry with its exceptional performance and impressive features.
It boasts of providing good performance with great fuel economy. Its high ground clearance of 205mm, allows it to effortlessly tackle any road conditions, including bumps and water clogged roads. This feature is particularly useful for adventurous drivers who like exploration of new terrains. It is and generally good for our Kenyan roads.
Inside the Magnite passengers enjoy spacious interior and advanced safety features. Its engine makes sit an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize comfort, safety, and performance. The car’s compact size makes it perfect for navigating tight city streets, while its advanced technology ensures a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Verdict
The Nissan Magnite is an impressive package that offers a lot of value for money. Its bold and modern design, spacious and feature-packed interior, and peppy turbocharged engine make it a compelling option in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
The Magnite is also backed by Nissan’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service, which should give buyers added peace of mind. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the Magnite is definitely worth a look. Overall, the Nissan Magnite is a good choice for a compact SUV. With its high ground clearance and advanced features, the car that can handle any challenge that comes its way.
So if you’re looking for a car that can take you anywhere you want to go, the Nissan Magnite is definitely worth considering.