The compact crossover segment is growing so why not introduce the Magnite?
So as we all know crossovers and SUVs have taken over the roads lately and sedans are no longer the majority of car body type these days, so it would make sense for automakers to capitalize and introduce more crossovers like the Nissan Magnite which is on sale in India and Indonesia. So why not Malaysia?
The Nissan Magnite is a subcompact crossover SUV which was unveiled in October 2020 and is placed below the Nissan Kicks small SUV. This makes the car Nissan’s smallest SUV (crossover) model in the brand’s global lineup. It is also built on the same platform as the Renault Kiger, another crossover absent in Malaysia.
Moreover, the name Magnite is a portmanteau of the words “magnetic” and “ignite” and the Nissan Magnite is manufactured in India and exported in a right-hand drive format to many markets including South Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brunei, Seychelles, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Malawi but not Malaysia, why?
On top of that, the 5-door Nissan Magnite is powered by a 1 litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making around 99hp and roughly 152Nm of torque paired to a CVT gearbox and is 3,994mm long, 1,758mm wide and 1,572mm tall with a 2,500mm wheelbase.
With dimensions like this and an economical engine, the Nissan Magnite is bound to be a top seller for the brand should it be introduced here in Malaysia. What’s more, Nissan has kind of fallen off a little bit compared to some other Japanese brands here in Malaysia as well and this car may help change that.
Additionally, the Nissan Magnite is also a good looking vehicle and would definitely appeal to a younger audience as this demographic does not need a large vehicle and prefers something cheaper and smaller. Since the car starts at ₹5,97,400 (Roughly RM32,000) it is the perfect price for a young Malaysian’s first car too.
Furthermore, the interior of the Nissan Magnite is also comfortable and looks futuristic. It has all the features one would need and if Nissan can introduce it with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, even if that means a slight price hike, I think people would still be flocking the showrooms for this car.
Think about it, we have a car that is similar specs as a Perodua Myvi, a similar engine to a Perodua Ativa, albeit it will still be way more expensive with taxes, but just imagine the potential of the Nissan Magnite considering it is from the same brand that manufactures the iconic Godzilla, the Nissan GT-R itself.
What do you guys think? Should Nissan introduce the Nissan Magnite in Malaysia? I think the brand would find a lot of success with it here so I hope Nissan does.
