Nissan Magnite facelift partially leaked ahead of global debut

The Nissan Magnite facelift has been partially leaked, giving us a glimpse of its refreshed looks. The SUV has been spotted testing many times, and will be unveiled in the coming months.

1. Magnite facelift will be exported initially
2. Changes restricted to cosmetic bits
3. India launch still some time away

Nissan Magnite facelift: what’s new?

The Magnite facelift, in its final production form, was seen at a crash test facility. Though it is partially covered, one can see the mildly refreshed looks as seen in the spy shots earlier.

Sources tell us that Nissan had sent a few units of the left-hand-drive Magnite facelift for internal evaluation to a facility that conducts crash tests. The crash test parameters used for the LHD model were not the same as those used by Bharat NCAP, we can confirm. .

The leaked image also confirms that the mid-life update for the Magnite will be limited to just the plastic parts – re-profiled bumpers, new headlamp and grille assembly, and updated LED signatures – and a new set of alloy wheels. According to sources, even updates to the interior will be limited to new trim pieces and a few more features; the dashboard will remain largely unchanged.

Nissan Magnite facelift roll out plan

The current-gen Nissan Magnite is also exported to many markets. As we’ve reported earlier, the Magnite facelift will be built in LHD and RHD layouts, so it will be exported to multiple LHD markets for the first time. We are told that Nissan will start exporting the Magnite facelift first and that the India launch will take place only by this year end or early next year.

Nissan Magnite facelift: no mechanical changes expected

The Magnite will carry over the existing 1.0-litre petrol engines: the petrol produces 72hp and 96Nm, while the turbo version produces 100hp and 160Nm. The 5-speed manual and AMT gearboxes will also be carried over as is.

Upon launch, the facelifted Nissan Magnite will continue to be one of the most affordable SUVs in India along with its French counterpart, the Renault Kiger. It will continue to rival the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and smaller SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter.

Hat tip to The Yawning Chihuahua for spot.

Also see: 

Maruti Fronx AMT vs Nissan Magnite AMT comparison

Nissan X-Trail to get 1.5 turbo-petrol at launch; no hybrid