Nisaan Magnite XE Base Variant - Better Alternative for Hatchbacks?

The Nissan Magnite compact SUV was launched earlier this month starting from Rs.4.99L (ex-showroom) for the entry level XE Variant, making it the most affordable sub-4m SUV in the country. We may have read the brochure or virtually checked out the base Variant through Nissan’s website, however no one has seen the entry level variant in real life until now. We have managed to get exclusive access to the base level Nissan Magnite XE variant and here is a detailed walkaround video of the same.

The Magnite XE doesn’t look too bare-bones in reality. Even this base Variant gets the same large Octagonal grille with chrome surrounds, lending the Magnite a strong presence. However, the bumper skid plates are finished entirely in black unlike the silver skid plates on the higher Variants. The XE variant is available only with two paint schemes; white and silver. The variant features sharp-looking halogen headlamps up front, L-shaped chrome strips that take place of the LED DRLs seen on the top-end trims. Despite having the lesser powered engine, the Nissan Magnite XE comes with 16-inch Steel wheels as standard. While the ORVMs are finished in ebony black, surprisingly the door handles are body-coloured. As expected, the turn indicators are located on the front fenders on this variant. Adding to the surprises, even this base level Variant offers Silver-finished functional roof rails on the Magnite, which can withstand upto 50kg of luggage. Furthermore, this XE Variant gets rear windshield wiper, washer and demister too along with 4 reverse sensors.

Getting inside, the Magnite XE gets a dual-tone beige and black theme, along with black inside door handles, chrome surrounds for the AC vents. In terms of features, this base level variant gets only manually adjustable ORVMs with knobs on the inside; however front and rear power windows are a standard feature. The even more surprising feature, is the availability of 60 min operation for the Power windows even after removing the key. As expected, the XE Variant misses out on an audio system and Central locking. The Pizza-inspired instrument cluster with an LED 3.5-inch MID is similar to the one seen on the Renault Triber and the Kwid. Even on this base variant, the gear lever gets Chrome and piano Black accents with an art leather Boot featuring contrast white stitching. The seats, though similar to the top spec variant in comfort and design, have a more hard-wearing fabric upholstery on this base variant. More surprising features include soft fabric padding on all doors and Rear seat adjustable headrests.

Standard safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer, pretensioner seatbelts, rear seat adjustable headrests and reverse sensors.

The boot capacity remains the same at 336L however, this base Variant doesn't get a parcel tray or boot lamp. The rear seats can be 100% flat folded to increase cargo space though. The 15” space-saver spare wheel is neatly placed under the boot floor along with the tools.

The Nissan Magnite XE is available only with the 1.0L naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol engine from the Renault Triber. This engine produces 72PS power and 96Nm of torque which will be adequate in terms of performance due to the car’s relatively low 939kg kerb weight. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.

For now, this XE variant is available for Rs.4.99L ex showroom; which translates to roughly around or above Rs.6L on road. This price is around the same range as the entry-level variants of B-segment hatchbacks such as the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. When compared, the Nissan Magnite XE seems like an incredible value for money deal overall. However, this XE variant’s price will be increased to Rs.5.45 lakh ex-showroom on the 1st of January 2021, as confirmed by Nissan India.

The Nissan Magnite seems to revolutionize “Value for money” in the Indian Automotive industry by offering surprising number of features, more than expected space and comfort, all for compact-car money. We wish Nissan India and the Magnite all the very best.

Stay tuned for further detailed coverage and reviews.