Page 36 - Blue Valley News June/July 2021

MOTORING

NISSAN MAGNITE SA LAUNCH

By Alan Rosenmeyer

he Crossover/SUV segment has grown models also have very attractive 16-inch alloy Boot capacity is rated at 336l and there is a
exponentially in SA over the last few wheels with a very distinctive design and a full size spare wheel under the boot board.
Tyears to become one of the most sporty spoiler over the rear hatch. Two-tone
important segments in the new car market. paintwork with a white roof is available as a All models are powered by a 1l 3-cylinder
This is especially evident with vehicles falling no-cost option too. Two airbags, ABS and VTC turbo giving 74kW and 160Nm in manual
into the affordable category. plus cruise control are standard across the or 152Nm in the CVT models. On the road,
range. Keyless entry and push button start the car is very peppy and feels well planted
Nissan has just unveiled their contender into are also standard. Front and rear skid plates while driving. Road noise is notably low when
this segment and, as the first of a massive new plus 205mm ground clearance are crossover cruising. Overtaking is easy, with the turbo
model offensive coming from Nissan over the elements. kicking in when requested, allowing the car
next 18 months, it is a vital launch. to pick up speed quickly.
In the interior, a 7-inch digital TFT display
in front of the driver takes you through I must make special mention of the CVT
The initial range is made up of two spec levels numerous different displays at the click of a transmission. This must rate as one of the
being Accenta and Accenta Plus, each with button. The main 10-inch infotainment screen best examples of this type of transmission
either 5-speed manual or CVT automatic offers wireless connectivity to Apple Carplay that I have encountered in a vehicle at the
transmission driving the front wheels. Nissan and Android Auto and a wireless charging affordable end of the pricing spectrum.
has gone all-in here with extremely high spec pad is an optional extra. Accenta Plus adds The car runs along smoothly and, whether
levels on the cars which include items like LCD surround camera plus overhead camera view at freeway speeds or in heavy traffic, it is
headlights, fog lights and unique L-shaped to the display. There are also aircon vents plus seamless and, even when cruising, I couldn't
daytime running lights on the top model. All a 12V outlet in the rear for passengers. detect the dreaded CVT drone that everyone
seems to hate.

With pricing from R259 000 to R305 000, the
Nissan Magnite is extremely competitive and
I predict it is going to become very popular
in next to no time. A 6-year/150 000km
warranty and 3-year/30 000km service plan
are included. BV

Click here to watch our full video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpxzl-
VPAHY

34 • Issue 3 2021 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS