WeeklySA_AdminLEGACY:: New model sees major upgrades in design, features and safety with South Africa being the first stop on the continent
By Ali Mphaki
The New Nissan Magnite, launched to great acclaim globally in India last month, makes its highly anticipated South African debut with a two-day test series for local motoring journalists and influencers in Cape Town.
First introduced to the world in 2020, the Nissan Magnite has quickly found its niche with more than 150 000 vehicles being across the globe.
“We are very excited about the Magnite, which had its global launch last month in India. The New Magnite will be introduced for the first time to both right and left-hand drive markets in Africa, spanning the continent from north to south. The New model was revealed in South Africa where it has sold a highly respectable 26 000 units since its start of sales in June 2021,” says Nissan Africa President, Jordi Vila. “The New Magnite is a key pillar of the Arc, Nissan’s mid-term business plan and a major milestone in Nissan Africa’s product strategy,” Vila adds.
“Our engineers have taken an incredible design and made it even better to the benefit of our legions of local Magnite fans and I have no doubt, a whole new generation of motorists who will make full use of the Magnite’s potential to allow them to go their own way with all the latest technology that they will need,” says Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa managing director, Maciej Klenkiewicz.
The Magnite is a striking compact SUV, with robust exterior styling complemented by LED lights front and rear, alloy wheels and roof rails.
The newcomer retains its striking looks and robust exterior styling, adding a configurable TFT driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Life on board is also enhanced with adjustable four colour ambient lighting.
Other new features (model specific) include the innovative remote engine start and the walkaway lock and approach unlock function, cooled glove box storage and on-board air ioniser, which is ideal for motorists and passengers with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Safety
The Magnite’s bodyshell uses high-tensile steel for impressive structural integrity. The updated Magnite features six airbags across all variants, and the bodyshell’s integrity is reinforced with the use of reinforced steel. An auto dimming rear view mirror is available.
Efficient performance
The Magnite is powered by two 1.0-litre engines with one turbocharged, offering an optimum balance of fuel economy and responsive performance, paired by either a manual, automated manual (AMT) or continuously variable transmission.
Ideal for urban mobility
The Magnite is ideal for urban cruising, able to accommodate five passengers thanks to its generous wheelbase. The Around View Monitor provides a bird’s eye view of the car from four cameras relieving all the stress from parking in tight spaces.
Vehicle statistics
Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – BR10)
999 cc 3-cylinder
53 kW @ 6 250 r/min
96 Nm @ 3 500 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.9 litres / 100 km
Nissan Magnite (normally aspirated – HR10)
999 cc 3-cylinder
74 kW @ 5 000 r/min
152 Nm @ 2 200 r/min – 4 400 r/min
Combined fuel consumption – 5.27 litres / 100 km
Grade Walk
Visia
6-airbags (front, side and curtain airbags)
Vehicle Dynamic Control
Rear Parking Sensors
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensors
Electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors
Speed-sensing lock with child lock and impact-sensing unlocking
Multi-function steering controls
Automatic air conditioning
Shark fin antenna
16” steel wheels with wheel cover
Roof rails
Acenta
All the features of the Visia, and Display Audio – 8” touch-screen infotainment system with floating design, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Frameless auto-dimming mirror,Front LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lights
Approach unlock and walk-away locking Keyless Start/Stop, 7” TFT information screen, 16” alloy wheels with two-tone design, Plasma air purifier, LED headlamps Acenta Plus Two-tone leather seats with special heat-resistant coatings
All of the features of the Acenta, and Around View Monitor – four-camera array with bird’s eye view camera angles Remote starting (on the CVT model only) Leather Steering wheel, Cruise control with speed limiter (CVT only).
Pricing
New Magnite
Pricing for the Magnite 1.0 Visia (MT)
is R246 200 with the top-of-the-range
Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus (CVT) at R410 700
Motoring: Briefs
R3-BILLION NEW CAR FACTORY
South Africa is getting a R3-billion car factory, which is expected to start production by early 2026. The brand-new facility is the brainchild of Stellantis, which plans to use the area to manufacture bakkies to supply South Africa and various international destinations.
The company recently announced that progress has been made on the site’s construction, as the development of the building platform is now underway. Stellantis, for those who are unfamiliar, is one of the world’s largest carmakers by volume and represents at least eight different brands in South Africa including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, and Peugeot.
SMALLEST MAHINDRA BIG ON TILLS
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is off to a great start in South Africa, having sold a total of 592 units in October. The crossover was launched in late September, but new data from Naamsa has revealed the XUV’s sales figures for its first full month on the market. The 3XO is the Indian automaker’s new entry-level product, replacing the XUV300 while also reducing the base price for customers by a considerable R23,000.
As a result, buying a Mahindra in South Africa only costs R254,999 now, and it’s clear that a good number of motorists a prepared to see what the company has to offer. The 3XO is one of the only SUVs in the country that goes for less than R300,000, putting it in the same group as the Toyota Starlet Cross, Suzuki Fronx, Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.
PAY AND GO
Contactless payments are now available in select toll plazas across South Africa. This initiative forms part of a collaboration between Visa and FNB, which completed the roll-out of new contactless (tap and go) payment stations across select toll gates ahead of the festive rush. This should ensure a more convenient and secure experience for South African motorists.
Motorists at select toll plazas along the N3, TRAC N4 and Chapman’s Peak toll roads will be able to use several payment methods for contactless payments. Over 88 lanes have the new system along the N3 toll route between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal at De Hoek, Wilge, Tugela, Mooi River plazas and the on and off ramps. 73 lanes have the tap payment terminals installed along the N4 toll route between Pretoria and Mozambique at Diamond Hill, Middelburg, Machado, and Nkomazi plazas as well as the on and off ramps.
BROAD-BASED ALL-NEW TRITON
All-New Triton Boasts Widest Range of Mitsubishi’s sixth generation Triton has made landfall in South Africa and the Japanese automaker is sporting its widest range to date with customizability at the core with a broad selection of accessories too.
Launched into Mzansi earlier this week, buyers have a choice of Yamabuki Orange Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Impulse Blue Metallic, Blade Silver Metalic, White Diamond and White Solid when configuring the bakkie but can further distinguish it with Mitsubishi’s widest selection of accessories on the model to date. Over and above the standard GL and GLS models, Mitsubishi has ushered in the new Triton with an Xtreme, Athlete and Edition 46 specification pack. These are purely cosmetic packs and all employ the services of the 2.4-litre turbodiesel coupled to an automatic or manual transmission that sends power to all corners or the rear only.
LEWIS TO “GIVE IT ALL”
Lewis Hamilton says he will “give it absolutely everything” for his final three races with Mercedes despite feeling like walking away after struggling badly in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion finished 10th in the grand prix and 11th in the sprint race in Interlagos three weeks ago. Following the main race, he described it as “a disaster of a weekend” on team radio, adding: “If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but [I am] grateful for you.”
The 39-year-old Briton is joining Ferrari next season after 12 years with Mercedes, a period in which he won six of his seven drivers’ championships.
