New year, new ride: Nissan Magnite

Earlier this month, we listed down the top vehicles we want to see in 2026, which included an entry from Nissan — the Magnite. 

Those following Zigwheels Philippines will remember our coverage of the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show, where the crossover made its first local appearance. It was showcased alongside models such as the Patrol and Z Nismo, and was seen as a competitor of segment staples, Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet. 

Soon after, the Nissan Magnite was introduced in India, and left-hand drive versions of the nameplate began sales in other markets. Finally, the Renault Group took full ownership of the Chennai-based facility, which produces the crossover. 

And now that the Japanese carmaker’s local wing has added a new veteran to its lineup, we could be just a few steps away to seeing the Nissan Magnite arrive to local shores. 

For those wondering what they can expect when the Magnite hits the Philippine market, here is a quick look at the details from the published homologation papers, per the Land Transportation Office. 

Dimensions 

The approved measurements for the would-be Philippine spec Nissan Magnite are as follows: 

Overall length, width, and height (in millimeters [mm>)	3,999  x 1,572 x 1,938
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,501
Ground clearance (in mm)	203

For its wheels, the crossover will be equipped with 16-inchers with 195/60 series tires. 

Powertrain 

Under the hood, the Nissan Magnite bound for the Philippines will be fitted with a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Its three-pot mill will allow the vehicle to have a top speed of 165 kilometers per hour. 

Variants 

Based on the documents from the country’s land transport bureau, the Nissan Magnite will be offered in two trims: VL and VE. 

Looking at how Nissan’s variant hierarchy looks like, the VE will be the entry-level grade and the VL will sit as the range-topping model. 

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Other possible features 

The documentation from LTO only gives us a glimpse of what impact the Nissan Magnite can have on the local auto scene. However, we can check out the Indian market model to see what we can get out of the crossover, and just how well it stacks up against the competition. 

Here are the notable features found on the global model of the Nissan Magnite. 

Exterior

Outside, the Nissan Magnite sports the brand’s V-Motion grille with a two-tone finish and a new floating skid plate. The fascia is flanked by LED bi-projector headlamps with LED “Lightsaber” turn signals. 

To its sides are claddings on the wheel arches as well as on the bottom portion of the doors and side sills. These protective coverings appear to hug the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle. It also dons blacked-out pillars and side mirrors, with a pair of silver roof rails. 

Its wheels have diamond-cut design, also with a two-tone finish. 

At the back, the Nissan Magnite packs LED taillamps with a three-dimensional honeycomb gradient effect, which adds character to the people mover. 

Interior 

The cabin of the Nissan Magnite boasts leather upholstery on the seats and the steering wheel. It also has a seven-inch digital multi-functional dark-themed instrument cluster complemented by a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Other noteworthy features include a wireless charge and ambient lighting. 

Final thoughts 

When one looks at Nissan Philippines’ roster, the only crossover the company has is the Kicks e-Power. And as we all know, Filipinos appear to have shifted from sedans to the aforementioned segment due to their ability to perform better on our pothole-filled roads, which quickly get flooded after a brief drizzle. 

On that note, it only makes sense to bolster its offerings in such a competitive category, and the Nissan Magnite has the potential to take up a part of the crossover segment pie. 

We sincerely hope that Nissan Philippines would consider bringing in the Magnite and not be discouraged by the somewhat lackluster performance of the Livina, which appeared to have failed to replicate the success of its cousin,  the country’s most popular multi-purpose vehicle, the Mitsubishi Xpander. 

Also read:

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