The Nissan Magnite was launched on the 2nd of December and is expected to challenge rival sub-compact SUVs with Pricing, features and space as it's Trump cards. In just 5 days, the newest compact SUV has received 5,000 bookings, apart from over 50,000 enquiries. This is no mean feat given the meagre number of dealerships in India. 

The Nissan Magnite was launched with an introductory starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level variant. However, 60% of the bookings are for the top XV and XV premium variants.

This introductory pricing though is valid till December 31 only, after which

The Magnite offers a whole lot of features and creature comforts; with all Variants excluding the entry-level XE being available with two engine options including a turbo engine and a CVT transmission option. The top-of-the-line XV Premium is loaded with features such as 360-degree monitor, Digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, 16” alloys, all-LED lamps, etc. The XV premium is also available with a Dual Tone roof option which makes the topmost CVT version available for Rs 9.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite offers a spacious cabin with comforts like rear-seat armrest available from the Turbo XL Variant itself. The entry-level XE variant offers quite a list of standard features including all power windows, Rear wiper, washer, defogger, 16” wheels and fabric padding on the doors.

All Variants are available with a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol engine which produces 72PS of Max Power through a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, the 100PS turbo petrol engine is available only from the XL Variant onwards. All turbo variants get ESP, traction control, Hill holds assist and Hydraulic brake assist as standard. The turbo variants also can be had with the Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox.

Nissan is also offering a Tech Pack for an additional Rs 38,698 on the XV and XV premium Variants. The Tech Pack includes more features like an air purifier, puddle lamps, ambient light, wireless car charging, premium JBL speakers and LED scuff plates.

NISSAN India is not only targeting the CSUV segment with the Magnite; The non-turbo variants are aimed at the hatchback segment buyers who would want additional space, comfort and SUV appeal. For sure the Magnite will be a great success and will help rebuild the image of the almost forgotten Japanese car market in India. However, Nissan will have to put more effort to expand its sales and post-sales network, which is essentially the key to gain the trust of customers.

Tata Motors Celebrating its leadership position in the SUV segment, Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive brand, today, introduced the ‘Untamed Kaziranga Edition of SUVs’, inspired by India’s rich geographical and biological diversity while also paying homage to India’s great national parks. This iconic, one-of-a-kind special edition of SUVs will include India’s first and safest sub compact SUV – the Punch, India’s first GNCAP 5star rated car – the Nexon, the company’s premium SUV with the Land Rover DNA – the Harrier and its flagship 7 seater SUV – the Safari. With bookings commencing today, the Kaziranga edition will be available

Speaking at this occasion, Mr. Rajan Amba, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “The shift towards SUVs is a global trend and it is the same for India. We have been riding on this trend with our New Forever range of SUVs, widely appreciated by our patrons. In the midst of the current industry scenario coupled with the myriad of options available in the market place, we are happy to have emerged as the #1 SUV brand, and would like to thank all our customers for trusting the brand. To take this success story forward, we are delighted to introduce the Untamed Kaziranga Edition of SUVs inspired by the rich biodiversity our country has to offer. With the symbol of Kaziranga-The Great Indian One horned Rhino, known worldwide for their agility and power, this range reinforces the “Go-Anywhere” DNA of our true SUVs. Adding to the above, in line with the New Forever brand promise, we are diversifying our SUV portfolio for our customers and we hope that this introduction will further cement our position as the leaders in this segment.”

Models Start Price ( in INR, Ex-showroom Delhi)

Punch 8,58,900

Nexon (Petrol) 11,78,900

Nexon (Diesel) 13,08,900

Harrier 20,40,900

Safari (7S) 20,99,900

Tata Motors has also recently announced its plan to auction the Punch Kaziranga Edition to the IPL fans and has decided to donate all proceeds from the winning bid towards the efforts on Conservation of Wildlife in Kaziranga.

   Defining character of the Kaziranga Range:

This new range introduction comes with a series of interesting additions to enhance the overall design of the cars. All models come with a Grassland Beige Exterior Body Color with a dual tone roof in Piano Black finish. The Earthy Beige Leatherette upholstery and Tropical wood Dashboard along with the several Earthy beige coloured inserts in the interiors make the cars more thematic, elevating the interiors with an exclusive feel. Furthermore, the embossed outlined torso of two rhinoceroses facing each other on the front headrests (also in 2nd Row in Safari) and the addition of a new Satin Black Rhino Mascot on the front fender, emphasizes the go – anywhere attitude of Tata Motors’ true SUVs while also resonating with the solid toughness of the mascot.

About the Untamed Kaziranga Range:

Tata Punch Kaziranga Edition

India’s first and safest sub-compact SUV – the Tata Punch gets an interesting addition of elements with the all New Earthy Beige Leatherette Upholstery, Piano Black door trim, Earthy beige tri-Arrow finish dashboard mid pad, Granite Black Roof rails, Piano Black Humanity Line front grille and Jet Black 16" Alloy wheels. This Kaziranga edition will be available in the top persona Creative MT, Creative MT-iRA, Creative AMT and Creative AMT-iRA.

Tata Nexon Kaziranga Edition

The Nexon in its newest incarnation witnesses the addition of ventilated seats for the driver and co-driver. The thoughtful addition of an air-purifier makes its cabin feel comfortable and safe. To provide more ease to the driver, a new electro-chromatic IRVM has been introduced in this version. Additionally, the Nexon Kaziranga will also come equipped with Dual tone Earthy Beige Leatherette Upholstery, Piano Black door trims, Tropical Wood finish dashboard mid – pad, Granite Black Body Claddings and roof rails, Piano Black Humanity Line front grille and Jet Black 16" Alloy wheels. The Nexon Kaziranga edition will be available in two trims – Petrol & Diesel Powertrains, Nexon XZ+ (P) and Nexon XZA+ (P)

Tata Harrier Kaziranga Edition

Tata Motors’ premium SUV – the Harrier will now sport an enhanced appeal with the addition of ventilated seats for the driver and co-driver. The thoughtful addition of an air-purifier makes its cabin feel comfortable and safe. It will also come with a host of new connected car technologies, (iRA Connected Car Technology, Remote Commands, Location based services, Over the Air Updates, Live vehicle Diagnostics and Gamification) along with Apple Car Play and Android Auto over WiFi. With Dual tone Earthy Beige Leatherette Seats and Door trims, Tropical Wood finish dashboard mid – pad, Granite Black Body Claddings, Granite black front grille with Piano Black Inserts and Jet Black 17" Alloy wheels, the Harrier, in the Kaziranga edition, will be available in two trims – Harrier XZ+ and Harrier XZA+

Tata Safari Kaziranga Edition

Tata Motors’ flagship SUV – The Safari is one of the most feature rich vehicle in its segment. In addition to the available features in its top trim like the Ventilated Seats in 1st & 2nd Row”, Wireless Charger, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto over Wi-Fi, Air Purifier, iRA, The Safari Kaziranga will sport Dual tone Earthy Beige Leatherette Seats and Door trims, Tropical Wood finish dashboard mid – pad, Granite Black Body Claddings, Granite black front grille & Roof rails with Piano Black inserts and Jet Black 18" Alloy wheels. This edition in the Safari will be available in 4 trims - XZ+ 7S, XZA+ 7S, XZ+ 6S, XZA+ 6S.

From what is expected, the new 2020 Jazz receives updates on the exterior. A fresh look at the front and rear is something which is most likely while the overall profile remains similar. The version displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo displays updates like LED DRL’s, Projector headlamps, new dual tone alloy wheels, LED tail lamps.

The new Jazz at the auto Expo also displays many changes to the interior. A new Dashboard, a two spoke steering wheel, new touch screen infotainment system, white highlights and an all new centre console, magic rear seats, cruise control, auto headlamps and auto wipers.

The debuted version also comes with many safety features such as an electric parking brake, ABS, EBD, SENSING technology which is Honda’s collision mitigation braking using a wide angle camera in the front and eight sonar sensors.

Engine options for the India bound Honda Jazz 2020 could remain the same- the 1.2 Litre i-VTEC that produces 90 PS of power, 110 NM of torque and the 1.5 Litre i-DTEC engine that produces 100 PS, 200 NN of torque would most probably be upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The petrol option currently comes with a 5 speed manual and CVT transmission while the diesel option comes mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox only. However, the new Jazz Diesel could receive CVT transmission from the Diesel Honda Amaze.

When launched officially in India, the 2020 Honda Jazz will compete with Toyota Glanza, Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz. While it would feel more premium than the outgoing model, prices are expected to stay between Rs. 5.50 Lakhs and Rs. 9.50 Lakhs (ex- showroom).