The SUV has been tested at Nissan’s world-class testing facility, the Nissan Tochigi Proving Ground, where other models such as the Nissan GT-R and Nissan Ariya, have been tested.

With its stylish design, robust and dynamic road presence and an evolutionary leap in global Sports Utility Vehicle DNA, Nissan hopes that the Magnite will redefine the B-SUV segment in India. Developed as a model under Datsun brand, the Magnite will be competing with the likes of Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.

Magnite delivers on all four of Nissan’s fundamental pillars – bold exteriors, interiors, technology and performance. The front is flooded with LEDs with a bi-projector headlamp, indicators, daytime running lamps and fog lamps. The square wheel arches enhance the bold styling along with the integrated sculpted body-side cladding. The chrome beltline moves up to the quarter window in the C-pillar. The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels accentuate the looks. It has a five-metre turning radius to help manoeuvre tight corners and parking.

Takumi Yoneyama, Design Manager, Nissan Motor Corporation, said, “The Nissan Magnite Concept embodies Nissan’s spirit in every way. Our design approach was based on the art of sculpting and not just drawing lines on paper. We sculpted a solid and dynamic feel by carving a shape from a big, overhanging body. We followed the core of Japanese sense and aesthetic by extracting pure dynamism and shedding the unnecessary. We are proud to introduce our newest creation, and we hope that our customers in India will love it.”

Interiors

The interiors of the car are wide and spacious due to the horizontal instrument panel, followed by the air ventilators that have a distinctive shape and cliff section, which makes it look sporty and enhances the SUV feel. It also includes a sporty mono-form shape seat which enhances comfort, and the rear seats offer robust pattern and rich cushioning adding to the premium-ness of the car.

The sporty 7-inch instrument panel, fully integrated steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be connected through Wi-Fi. It comes with Tech Pack comprising of a wireless charger, air purifier, puddle lamps and ambient mood lighting.

In terms of safety, the Magnite comes with Vehicle Dynamics Control for safe manoeuvring in tight corners and risky situations. In addition, it comes with dual air-bags, Hill-start assist, traction and anti-roll bar to minimise body roll.

Powered by Nissan’s HRA0 turbo engine having mirror-bore technology, it is mated with two gearbox options – manual and Xtronic CVT. The new engine delivers a maximum power of 100PS and maximum torque of 160Nm. It also boasts of appreciable torque to weight ratio which is demonstrated by the efficiency of the engine. The HRA0 engine borrows “mirror bore cylinder coating” technology from world-class sports cars such as the Nissan GT-R. This technology helps in reducing resistance inside the engine, cutting weight, improving heat management and combustion, eventually delivering smooth acceleration and efficient fuel use. The machine is very responsive when revved and provides better acceleration compared to naturally aspirated engines, especially in take-off and overtaking situations. It is evident from smooth acceleration and the revolution of the engine. It does not mean that the engine is over-working with big noise; it is silent, and helps reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

Xtronic CVT

The conventional CVT has a rubber-band effect thanks to the belt between the two pulleys, which results in a lag between engine RPM and power to the wheels. However, Nissan uses steel belts in its signature Xtronic CVT transmission with the third generation D-Step logic control which is also found in other Global Nissan models such as Altima, Pathfinder, Murano and the sporty Maxima. In Xtronic CVT, the RPM builds as speed increases providing enhanced drivability with a direct, crisp shift feel; there’s no “hunting for a gear” feel or shift shock. After take-off, unlike other CVTs, the Xtronic CVT applies lockup damper; it skips torque converter, resulting in immediate and sustained power delivery.

According to Nissan India, the Magnite with manual gearbox offers 20kmpl while the CVT gets only 18kmpl. To meet demands and redefine the growing SUV segment in the country, the Magnite will cater to multiple aspirants with multiple options. XE (Base) comes with standard 16-inch wheels, skid plates, functional roof rails, 3.5-inch LCD cluster, all-power windows and dual-tone interiors for a real entry into the SUV experience. XL (Mid) comes with six speakers for integrated audio, steering wheel audio control, automatic AC and electrically adjustable & foldable outside mirrors for a comfortable upgrade. XV (High) revamps the technological experience with 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED daytime running lamps (DRL) and fog lamps, 8-inch floating touch screen (with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 7-inch TFT meter, voice recognition, rear-view camera and push-button start. XV (Premium) is packed with technologies such as the LED bi-projector headlamps, cruise control, 360-degree around-view monitor, tyre pressure monitor and full sporty interiors.

For the technological savvy customer, Nissan’s optional ‘Tech Pack’ includes wireless charger, air purifier, ambient mood lighting, puddle lamps and high-end speakers from JBL.

“The all-new Nissan Magnite plays a vital role in our Nissan NEXT strategy and represents Nissan’s undeniable commitment to the Indian market as a customer-centric organisation. The car reiterates our brand philosophy of keeping customers at the heart of everything we do to deliver exciting products for enriching experiences. As we continue to prioritise and invest in the Indian consumer, who is aspirational and discerning with vehicles, we aim for the all-new Nissan Magnite to be the first product that will enable sustainable growth. Nissan will continue to be the primary brand in India,” said Sinan Ozkok, President, Nissan Motor India.

“Given the growing popularity of B-SUVs in India, we aim for the all-new Nissan Magnite to redefine the segment and surpass customer expectations in the country. It is the ideal aspirational upgrade for hatchback customers in India who are weighing their options and looking to own a world-class SUV, from a globally renowned brand that has a strong SUV heritage,” said Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India.

In total, the Nissan Magnite is not only big, bold and beautiful but is also benevolent in offering space, features, comfort and convenience. It is a bold little package for a nifty compact SUV. (MT)

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Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a significant increase in the production of its highly anticipated its limited BE 6 Batman Edition, raising the total number of units available from 300 to 999. The decision comes in response to what the company described as an ‘extraordinary outpouring of enthusiasm’ from fans and collectors.

Initially envisioned as a small, limited run, the BE 6 Batman Edition has generated immense excitement, particularly among younger fans of the iconic superhero. The company stated that the overwhelming demand made it clear that fans wanted more, and the production increase aims to meet this desire while still maintaining the vehicle's exclusive nature.

Bookings for the special edition SUV will open on 23 August 2025, at 11 am, with deliveries slated to begin on 20 September 2025, which is International Batman Day. Customers interested in securing a vehicle can pre-register starting 21 August at 5 pm, by visiting the official Mahindra website. This pre-booking process allows for a faster checkout once reservations officially begin.

Each of the 999 vehicles will feature a unique ‘badge number’ from 001 to 999, which customers can select after their booking is confirmed. Mahindra highlighted that this approach focuses on celebrating the individual's connection to the brand and the hero, rather than just the vehicle's exclusivity.

The company hinted at a potential collaboration with other limited-edition models in 2026, building on the success of this partnership.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its new 3S showroom in Muvattupuzha, Kerala.

The new facility offers sales, service and spare parts, where customers can access an immersive experience through a digital configurator for personalised vehicle selection and benefit from an in-house EV charging station.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Kerala, a key market that continues to show robust growth, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. To meet the rising demand from these regions, our newly launched showroom in Muvattupuzha is set to play a pivotal role in bringing MG’s cutting-edge, technology-driven vehicles closer to our customers. This strategic expansion not only enhances accessibility but also underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering a seamless sales and aftersales experience, with a customer-first approach at its core.”

Nirav Modi, Dealer Principal, MG Muvattupuzha, said, “We are proud to collaborate with JSW MG Motor India to bring the brand closer to car buyers in Muvattupuzha. With MG’s future-ready product portfolio, a strong focus on customer-centricity, and our proven expertise in sales and aftersales services, we are confident in delivering a premium ownership experience to customers across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in making innovative mobility solutions more accessible and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.”

With a network of over 543 sales and aftersales touchpoints across 270 cities, JSW MG Motor India’s network now covers 90 percent of India’s geographical footprint.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has re-entered the South African market. The company has partnered Motus Holdings, a South African automotive group, to oversee the sale and service of Tata Motors passenger vehicles across the country.

The launch, held at The Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg, included the reveal of four models: the Harrier, Curvv, Punch and Tiago. These vehicles are designed for the local market.

The automaker shared that its return to South Africa follows a period of growth in India, with vehicle sales increasing from 170,000 units in 2020 to over 560,000 units in 2025.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle, said, “Our return to South Africa marks a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. We are excited to bring our new-generation of vehicles engineered with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety and modern design to a market that values safety, quality and innovation. With Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident in delivering a superior ownership experience that resonates with South African consumers and contributes meaningfully to the local economy.”

Ockert Janse Van Rensburg, Group CEO of Motus Holdings, said, “We are proud to partner with Tata Motors in reintroducing their acclaimed passenger vehicle range to South Africa. With our deep-rooted expertise in distribution, retail and aftersales, and Tata’s proven track record in engineering and innovation, we are poised to offer customers choice of new age vehicles with a compelling value proposition. This collaboration is not just about vehicles – it’s about building trust, delivering excellence and shaping the future of mobility in South Africa."

The new partnership will operate through an initial network of 40 dealerships, with plans to expand to 60 by 2026. This expansion will contribute to the local economy through job creation and training programmes for technicians and sales staff.

Future plans include expanding the model line-up and introducing alternative energy powertrains to the South African market. The company states that vehicles from India have been successful in South Africa due to their build quality and reliability.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new production milestone for its Fronx compact SUV.

Launched in 2023, the Front has surpassed the 500,000-unit production milestone. The company shared that the Fronx was the highest exported passenger vehicle in the industry in FY 2024-25 and was among the top 10 selling vehicles in the domestic market during the period.

In fact, the compact SUV was able to garner 100,000 units sales within 10 months of its launch, while the 200,000 unit and 300,000 unit milestones were also achieved in record time. The Fronx attained its peak sales of 21,400 units in February 2025.  

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “We are deeply grateful to our customers for choosing FRONX as their vehicle of choice and making it one of the most sold Compact SUVs in India. This milestone reflects India’s manufacturing excellence and customer acceptance for vehicles with futuristic design. With its bold styling, best-in-class fuel efficiency, and advanced technology features, FRONX quickly gained popularity in domestic as well as international markets. As we move forward, we remain committed to deliver exciting and value-packed products that exceed the expectations of our customers.”

The Fronx was first globally unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023 and was also the first ‘Made in India’ SUV from Maruti Suzuki India to be exported to Japan. In addition, the model is currently exported to Latin America, Middle East and African markets.

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