Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite is the brand's value play in India's crowded sub-4-metre SUV class. It pairs assertive, chunky styling with one of the lowest entry prices in the segment, which is exactly how it built a loyal following. A 2024 facelift sharpened the look, added equipment and refreshed the cabin. For buyers who want SUV presence and a turbo-petrol option without stretching the budget, the Magnite remains a genuinely tempting first car.

On the road, the Magnite makes most sense in its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol guise. The 99 bhp unit feels eager once the turbo wakes up, and it pairs well with either the five-speed manual or the CVT automatic. The naturally aspirated engine exists to hit the headline price, but it feels strained when the car is loaded. Ride quality is pliant over broken roads, and the light steering makes city driving easy, though enthusiasts will find the handling more functional than fun.

Inside, the facelift lifted perceived quality with a cleaner dashboard, an eight-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Space up front is good and the boot is competitive, but the rear bench is best for two adults rather than three on longer trips. Material quality has improved but still trails pricier rivals in places, with some scratchy plastics lower down.

Feature-wise, Nissan has been generous for the money: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charger and a sunroof all appear depending on variant. Safety has stepped up too, with six airbags now available, ESP, hill-start assist and ISOFIX. The flip side is that some active-safety kit and the better engine sit on costlier trims, so a well-equipped Magnite isn't quite the bargain the base price suggests.

Where the Magnite still wins is overall value. It undercuts most rivals on entry price, the turbo engine is genuinely likeable, and running costs are low. The trade-offs are average refinement at higher revs, a service network that is thinner than Maruti or Hyundai, and resale value that lags the segment leaders.