The Magnite has been an immensely successful car for Nissan in India ever since it was first launched in the market in 2020. The SUV is one of the most affordable in the segment, and taking that forward the Japanese car maker has launched its EZ-Shift (Automated Manual Transmission) variant, which also is the most affordable automatic subcompact SUV in India. The car has been launched at an aggressive introductoryprice of Rs 6.50 lakh which is valid till 10 November.
The Magnite EZ-Shift is equipped with a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission.Nissans says EZ-Shiftstands for Easy, Economical and Exciting. AMT is said to be the most affordable automatic technologies, one that also ensures better fuel economy when compared to a CVT, torque convertor or DCT. While the 1.0 turbo version of the Magnite is offered with a CVT option, the AMT has been launched with the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.While the ARAI certified fuel efficiency for the Manual variant stands at 19.35 kmpl, for the EZ-Shift it is 19.70 kmpl.
With Dual Driving mode, the Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift gearbox gives you the convenience to choose between automatic and manual driving mode. For negotiating stop and go traffic, the Intelligent Creep function lets you drive the car at low speeds simply by releasing the brake pedal without having to use accelerator. The SUV also offers features such as anti-stall & kick-down to make the driving experience a little sportier. The vehicle comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), incorporating the Hill Start Assist (HSA) function to alleviate concerns when driving on hilly terrain.
With the introduction of the EZ-Shift, the Nissan Magnite family has expand to four powertrain options including Manual & EZ-Shift in 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and Manual & CVT in 1.0-litre Turbo engine. The AMT is available in variants of: XE, XL, XV and XV Premium, making it the only option in its segment to offer such a wide range of choices.
The availability of AMT with the base variant is also a step in the right direction.
While in terms of looks, the AMT is exactly like the other versions of the SUV, though Nissan has introduced an all-new dual-tone option Blue and Black for the EZ-Shift variants across Upper & Top trim level, along with an exciting new Vivid Blue colour with Black dual tone roof. The EZ-Shift will also be made available for the customers who wish to opt for the recently launched Magnite KURO Special Edition.The edition, starts at a price of Rs. 8.27 lakhs (ex-showroom),and comes as a special black edition of the car.
In terms of features the Magnite is quite loaded. You get an 8-inch touch screen system with wireless apple carplay and android auto, 360-view camera, full digital cluster and a wireless charger. The cabin itself is quite spacious and ergonomic and works well for the buyer in the segment.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.