Nissan's plucky little Magnite has been a roaring success in South Africa, shifting over 26,000 units since its arrival in 2021.
Now, the Japanese automaker has given it a mid-life refresh, sharpening its looks and adding some extra tech to keep it competitive in the cutthroat compact SUV market.
First impressions are crucial, and the Magnite's facelift certainly makes a statement. The front end is bolder, with a wider grille featuring black elements that flow into the redesigned headlights.
Think of it as a subtle nip and tuck, just enough to turn heads without resorting to drastic surgery. A more pronounced lower skid plate adds to the rugged SUV vibe, and you'll find new 16-inch "diamond-cut" alloy wheels on the Acenta and Acenta Plus models.
Inside, the Magnite's cabin has received a welcome update. A configurable TFT driver display replaces the old-school dials, giving the dash a more modern feel. Nissan has also, thankfully, integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, because who wants to fiddle with cables in this day and age?
Ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, and if you splash out on the top-spec model, you even get a remote engine start function – perfect for pre-heating (or cooling) the cabin before you set off.
Safety is always a top priority, and Nissan has upped the ante by making six airbags standard across the entire Magnite range. That's on top of the existing safety kit, which includes Vehicle Dynamic Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.
If you opt for a higher-spec model, you'll also get the Around View Monitor, which uses four cameras to give you a bird's-eye view of your surroundings. Parallel parking just got a whole lot easier.
Now, for the bit you've all been waiting for: the engines. The Magnite keeps things simple with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder options. The naturally aspirated version delivers 53 kW and 96 Nm, which should be adequate for most urban commutes.
If you need more oomph, the turbocharged variant pumps out a healthier 74 kW and 152 Nm. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, an automated manual transmission (AMT), and a CVT, depending on the engine and trim level you choose.
Pricing:
Magnite 1.0 Visia (MT) - R246 200
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT) - R277 300
Magnite 1.0 Visia (AMT) - R263 200
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (AMT) - R294 400
Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (AMT) - R323 900
Magnite 1.0T Visia (MT) - R309 700
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (MT) - R340 100
Magnite 1.0 Acenta (CVT) - R370 500
Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (CVT) - R410 700
Also worth a look: the Nissan Rav4 and the Nissan's New Gravite MPV: A 7-Seater for South Africa?.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Nissan Magnite cost in South Africa?
The refreshed Nissan Magnite starts from around R341,800 for the entry-level Visia model with the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine, while the top-spec Acenta Plus with the turbo engine will set you back approximately R429,900, making it one of the most affordable compact SUVs in SA.
Q: Is the Nissan Magnite worth buying in 2024?
The Magnite is absolutely worth considering if you want a compact SUV with decent kit for under R430,000, especially with the new six airbags as standard and wireless smartphone connectivity, though the 53 kW naturally aspirated engine might feel sluggish for highway driving.
Q: What are the main problems with the Nissan Magnite?
The biggest complaint about the Magnite is the naturally aspirated engine's lack of power, particularly when fully loaded or tackling hills, while some owners have also reported road noise at highway speeds and a fairly firm ride quality over rough surfaces.
Q: How does the Nissan Magnite compare to other compact SUVs in South Africa?
The Magnite undercuts rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Ford EcoSport on price while offering more standard safety kit, but it trails behind the Suzuki Vitara Brezza in terms of interior space and the Renault Kiger for overall refinement.
Q: What's new in the 2024 Nissan Magnite facelift?
The refreshed Magnite gets a bolder front grille, redesigned headlights, new 16-inch alloy wheels, a configurable TFT driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ambient lighting, and six airbags across the entire range.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R350,000 in South Africa is still the Nissan Magnite, and this facelift makes it even more compelling. With six airbags now standard, wireless smartphone connectivity, and that crucial SUV stance, it ticks most boxes for first-time SUV buyers or young families on a budget. However, if you can stretch to R429,900 for the turbo Acenta Plus, you'll get a much more pleasant driving experience thanks to the extra punch from the boosted 1.0-litre engine. The naturally aspirated version at R341,800 is tempting on price, but you might find yourself wishing you'd spent the extra cash every time you need to overtake or tackle a steep hill. Our verdict: buy the turbo if you can afford it, or consider waiting for a deal on the entry-level model.
