At the moment, Nissan sells just two models in India – the Kicks compact SUV and the GT-R sports car. That will soon change with the introduction of the Magnite subcompact SUV. In all probability, it will launch before 2020 comes to a close. The question is, should you wait for it as there’s no shortage of choice in the sub-4 metre SUV segment? Well, to help you make an informed decision, here’s all you need to know about the Magnite.

Variants

Nissan has devised a total of twenty derivatives of the Magnite. They cover four primary trim levels and three engine-transmission combinations. Here’s a table that encapsulates all:

Powertrains & Mileage

The Magnite will be available with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. It will be available in two states of tunes, one with and one without a turbocharger. In turbocharged form, it will produce 99bhp/160Nm with a 5-speed manual transmission and 99bhp/152Nm with a CVT. Without a turbocharger in the equation, the output drops to 71bhp/96Nm, and the engine is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. That last engine-transmission combination is the same that powers the Renault Triber.

Now, the Magnite might not be the most powerful in the segment. But, thanks to a light package, it will offer excellent fuel economy. As per Nissan, the non-turbo powertrain can return up to 18.75kmpl. If you pick one of the turbocharged variants, the mileage can go as high as 20kmpl with the manual gearbox and 17.7kmpl with the CVT.

Features

There’s no point covering all the features in each of the trim levels. The table below captures the top features in each of the primary trim levels, those reserved for turbocharged variants and the Tech Pack.

Colours

Depending on the variant chosen, Nissan will offer a total of eight colour finishes – four monotone and as many dual-tone. The former category has silver, brown, black and white, whereas the latter one consists of red, brown and white with black roof and blue with a white top.

Rivals

The Magnite will rival a whole range of potent products. The list includes the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Honda WR-V and the Ford EcoSport. While Mahindra is also readying the BS6-complaint (Bharat Stage 6) TUV300, Renault too will join the party with the Kiger. That, however, will happen sometime next year.