The Nissan Magnite, was revealed as a concept a few weeks ago. This new compact SUV is going to be the Make-it or Break-it product for Nissan India. Nissan has released a new teaser video of the testing prototype of the compact SUV. Here are some observations based on the teaser video.

Exterior

The production-spec Nissan Magnite seems to retain most of the concept’s design elements including the large grille, the Sharp creases and the funky alloy wheels. It has even the same sculpted bonnet and angular headlights. Since the Magnite was originally meant to be launched as a Datsun, the grille bears

resemblance to the other Datsun models.

The side profile looks muscular with prominent body cladding and large wheel arches which seem to dwarf the 16” wheels. The higher spec variants also seem to receive a dual-tone roof, blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails. At the back, the Magnite sports sharp looking LED tail lamps which resemble those on the Triber's, a clean tail gate and a dual tone bumper. The Magnite is also set to be the first model in India to sport the new Nissan logo.

Interior

The interior too is expected to be close to the concept with a large, centrally mounted 8” touchscreen and layered dashboard with an octagonal theme. Other expected features include:

• 4 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Rear AC vents

• Push button start

• Digital instrument cluster

• Auto climate control

• Auto headlamps

• Auto wipers

• 360 degree camera

• Connected car tech

• Front and Rear seat armrests

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Projector headlamps

• LED DRLs

Powertrain

The Nissan Magnite is expected to be available with two engine options. The first will be the 1.0L Energy series, 3 cyl Naturally aspirated engine from the Renault Triber, producing 72PS Power through a 5 speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain will be a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing 95PS Power through either a 5 speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Pricing and launch

The new Nissan Magnite will be launched by early 2021. However an unveil is expected to happen by October 21st. The Magnite is also likely to be priced very aggressively with expected starting price of Rs.5.5L ex showroom for the entry level non turbo variant. The fully loaded top spec variant is expected to be priced equivalent to the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, one of its chief rivals. When launched, the Magnite will go against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WRV as well. Stay tuned for further updates on the Nissan Magnite.

Tata Motors will be launching their flagship Gravitas 7-seat SUV later this year. The Gravitas is essentially the 7 seats extended version of the Harrier 5 seat SUV based on the Land Rover derived OMEGA arc platform.

Based on the Harrier, the Gravitas will be around 60mm longer than the Harrier to accommodate the extra 2 seats while also being taller to provide better headroom for the 3rd row. Except for the larger dimensions and extra seats, the Gravitas will be largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier.

The tailgate will be more upright, giving the Gravitas a more boxy appearance and the

SUV will also feature long functional roof rails for lifestyle utility. The top-spec variants will receive 18” dual-tone alloy wheels with the design similar to the Harrier's whereas the lower-spec variants will carry forward the exact same 17” alloy wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. Though it is not sure whether the Gravitas will be provided with an electric sunroof.

Other than these external differences, the Gravitas will carry forward the same features as on the Harrier:

• Xenon Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Rear wiper and defogger

• 18” Alloy wheels

• Automatic climate control

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Cruise control

• 8.8” Touchscreen system

• Android Auto & Apple car play

• Harman audio system with 9 speakers

• Connect Next app suite

• Reverse camera

• 6-way Power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

• Off White Leather upholstery

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Ambient mood lighting

• Rear centre armrest

• Smart key with push-button start

• Follow me headlamps

• Terrain response modes: Rough, Wet and City

Safety:

       Safety features on the Gravitas will include:

• ABS with EBD

• All-wheel disc brakes

• Corner stability control

• 6 airbags

• Electronic Parking brake

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Hill descent control

• Rollover mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

• Perimetric alarm system

• Pretensioner seatbelts

Powertrains:

The Gravitas, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 2L Kryotec turbo diesel produces 170PS Power and 350NM torque. From the XM variant onwards, the Gravitas will be available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport.

Launch & price:

The new Gravitas is expected to be priced from ?15L to ?20L for the Manual variants and ?17.5L to ?21L for the Automatic variants. When launched later this year, Tata’s new flagship SUV will compete against the likes of the MG Hector plus and the next generation Mahindra XUV500. Stay tuned for further updates.

Ford India is soon to launch a new updated top spec variant of its best selling Ecosport compact SUV. This new variant will be called the Signature Edition and will get some significant changes on the exterior and interior.

Exterior:

The new Ecosport SE will not be available with the tailgate mounted spare wheel as standard. Just like the globally sold Ecosport, the Indian SE Variant will also let go of the tailgate mounted spare wheel and instead, will have the number plate on the tail gate. The rear bumper also gets a larger skid plate design. The reverse camera will be

mounted in the number plate housing on the tailgate now.

According to the Ministry of road transport and highways, it is not necessary for vehicles weighing under 3.5 tonnes and equipped with tubeless tyres with Tyre pressure monitoring system to have spare tyre. Hence, the tailgate mounted spare tire will be available as a paid option on this Signature Edition variant. As standard, this new variant is not likely to receive a spare wheel and instead it will get a puncture repair kit.

At the front though, the Ford Ecosport SE will remain exactly the same without any changes.

Interior:

On the inside, this new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition will get some new features and significant updates. This new Variant will get Tyre pressure monitoring system integrated into the brand new 12.3” touchscreen system expected to be launched exclusively on this variant. This new super-large touchscreen will also get Android auto and Apple carplay compatibility along with the existing Ford Pass connected car features. The centre console too will be significantly different on this updated top spec variant.

All the other features including Auto headlamps and wipers, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Auto Climate control and keyless access will be carried forward from the existing variants.

Powertrain:

The Ford Ecosport will continue to retain the very same 1.5L Petrol and Diesel engine options with a 5 speed Manual transmission as standard. At present, only the Titanium plus petrol is available with a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This gearbox is also likely to be available on the new Signature Edition variant as well.

At present the Ford Ecosport ranges from Rs.7.99L to Rs.11.19L (ex showroom) for the petrol range and Rs.8.69L to Rs.11.49L (ex showroom) for the Diesel range.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition.