The offering of compact SUVs and crossovers is growing with Nissan, the latest manufacturer to add a new model range to its current SUV offerings with the local introduction of the Magnite.
Nissan says the Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will provide customers with a differentiated, innovative and accessible experience. It features the latest technology as a part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM), Nissan’s vision of how vehicles are powered, driven and integrated into society. This includes an impressive 8-inch full touch screen with best-in-class wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
From the front, the sleek headlamps and lightsabre-style turn indicators with L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and a very dominating grille define the Magnite. On the sides, darkened plastic strips at the bottom, around the wheels arches and going around to the rear, not only play a protective role but help to define the Magnite’s SUV/crossover character.
A good ground clearance of 205 mm, silver skid plates (front and rear) as well as diamond-cut alloys, complete the Magnite’s looks.
A first in its segment, the all-new Nissan Magnite is also equipped with one of Nissan’s top support technology, the Around View Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a virtual bird’s eye view from above the vehicle.
The Magnite is equipped with safety features such as ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), speed sensing door lock, central locking and an SRS dual airbag system with pre-tension and load limiter seatbelts for driver and passenger.
Nissan also claims best-in-class rear knee room for the Magnite and there is a 336 litre cargo space with flexible capacity with 60:40 split foldable rear seats and a 10-litre glovebox with illumination.
Power is provided by Nissan’s 1-litre, turbo-petrol engine with three cylinders and with 74 kW with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT, depending on the model.
Acenta MT (R256 999), Acenta CVT (R280 100), Acenta Plus MT (R282 600 and the Acenta Plus CVT (R305 700).
Mahindra TUV300, Suzuki Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and the Haval H2.
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
MG Motor South Africa used its MG Tech Day and Premium SUV Family launch event to show what is coming to its SUV range. The brand was founded in Britain in 1924, and in 1931 its EX120 ‘Magic Midget’ became the first 750 cc car to exceed 160 km/h.
Tata Motors has expanded its local SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Punch. Available in three derivatives, the compact SUV introduces refreshed styling, upgraded technology and six airbags as standard across the range, while also becoming the first Punch sold locally with a turbocharged engine option.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
