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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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company has announced that  its all-new Hyundai Nexo fuel-cell electric SUV has bagged 5-star crash test rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety assessment.

The Nexo, Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV, emits only water vapor and is central to the company’s push for zero-emission mobility. The top rating follows five-star Euro NCAP results for the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9. The rating validates Hyundai’s performance in crash protection and its suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies.

Euro NCAP, Europe’s independent organisation for evaluating vehicle safety, assesses vehicles across four areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of vulnerable road users and safety assistance technologies.

The new Hyundai Nexo achieved results across all four areas, including:

90 percent in Adult Occupant Protection.

85 percent in Child Occupant Protection.

In adult occupant tests, the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, with protection of the knees, femurs, and all critical body regions for both driver and passenger. The Nexo performed well in the full-width rigid barrier test, achieved maximum points in the side barrier test and provided effective far-side occupant protection via its centre airbag. Whiplash protection for both front and rear seats was rated as good in rear-impact evaluations.

Child occupant protection performance was strong. The six- and 10-year-old dummies showed protection in all critical body areas in both frontal and side-impact tests, earning maximum points.

Additional safety features noted by Euro NCAP include an advanced eCall system and post-crash secondary impact prevention technology.

This achievement underlines Hyundai’s long-term commitment to hydrogen technology and safety innovation. The previous generation NEXO was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, also achieving a five-star rating under the standards at that time.

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JSW MG Motor India has introduced the all-new MG Hector SUV featuring a revised exterior with new front and rear bumper designs, a new grille design and new alloy wheels at prices starting INR 1.19 million (ex-showroom) for limited units. The SUV comes in two new colours – Celadon Blue and Pearl White.

The interiors feature a Dual Tone Ice Grey Theme in the 5-seater trim and Dual Tone Urban Tan for the 6 and 7-seater trims. Exterior details include the new Aura Hex Grille, a hexagonal structure that symbolises strength and precision. New Aura Sculpt Bumpers at the front and rear deliver a muscular, assertive stance and also the Aura Bolt Alloy Wheels.

The all-new Hector's infotainment system, featuring a 14-inch HD portrait touch screen, receives a performance boost through Smart Boost technology. The system features the i-SWIPE Touch Gesture Control, enabling intuitive multi-touch operations for AC, music and navigation. Further convenience is provided by the Digital Bluetooth Key and Key Sharing capability along with Predictive Maintenance Alerts, Remote AC Control. A Full Digital Cluster with a 17.78 cm Embedded LCD Screen provides a driver interface.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Hector was our maiden nameplate and quickly became synonymous with the MG brand, emerging as one of India’s most loved SUVs with 150,000 customers since its debut. With the All-New MG Hector, we take this legacy a notch higher by enhancing its design, comfort, and technology, offering an unmatched value proposition. We believe truly advanced mobility should not be an exclusive luxury reserved for the few. With this superior package, The All-New MG Hector will further democratize technology while setting a new benchmark for what a premium SUV can deliver.”

The new Hector also features a 360deg HD Camera with Wheel View, offering surround visibility along with tyre-level perspective. In terms of standard it gets ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS, Hill Hold Control and Brake Assist. The SUV is powered by a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol engine (CVT & MT) offering 143 PS Power and 250 NM Torque.

Launched in 2019 as India’s First Internet Car, the MG Hector includes features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 35.56 cm (14-inch) HD infotainment system, 8-colour Ambient Mood Lighting, and MG’s advanced i-SMART connected technology with 70+ features, and an advanced ADAS suite. Further features include Push Button Engine Start/Stop with a Smart Key and Anti-Theft Immobilisation, automatic powered tailgate, air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, rain sensing wipers, Remote Control for Audio, AC & Mood Light in i-Smart App and front parking sensors.

The prices for the diesel variant of the all-new Hector SUV will be announced next year.

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The Tata Sierra has entered the India Book of Records for maximum fuel efficiency in 12 hours. In a certified run at NATRAX Indore, the Sierra delivered an exceptional 29.9 kmpl mileage, surpassing the previous national benchmark. The feat was executed by the Pixel Motion team, that drove the 1.5-lire Hyperion-engine powered Sierra continuously from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on 30 November 2025 with brief halts for driver swaps. The record was officially validated the same day.
The new 1.5-litre Hyperion petrol engine, engineered to deliver high efficiency without compromising refinement, performance or drivability, has an advanced combustion system, torque-rich performance band and friction-optimised architecture. 
The compact SUV also achieved a top speed of 222 kmpg at the track under specified test conditions. 
“Setting a national efficiency record so early in the Sierra’s journey is a proud moment for us. The Hyperion engine platform was built to push the boundaries of what petrol powertrains can achieve, and this milestone validates that effort. It strengthens the Sierra’s value proposition for customers and underlines TMPV’s commitment to bringing advanced, efficient and future-ready technologies to the market," said Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. 

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Matthew Bowden is concluding a successful four-year tenure as Director of Škoda UK, departing to assume the role of Head of International Sales for Škoda Auto. Under his leadership, the UK market achieved significant growth, rising to become the brand's third largest global market and consistently exceeding performance records while maintaining a market share beyond four percent.

His successor, Eric Boutin, will join the Volkswagen Group UK board of management as Director of Škoda UK in the first quarter of 2026. Boutin brings extensive international experience from pivotal markets including Canada, China and United States. He is currently responsible for Škoda Auto's global customer experience programme, with direct oversight of the worldwide retail network and omnichannel integration, and is spearheading the brand's overarching customer centricity transformation.

This strategic leadership transition aims to leverage Bowden's commercial acumen on a global scale while injecting Boutin's specialised customer-focused expertise into the UK operations.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “Matthew has made a significant contribution towards Škoda’s evolution and growth over the past four years. I’m grateful for all he’s done for the brand and the Group and wish him well in his new role. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eric to the UK board of management and am sure his global experience and customer focus will support the brand’s future ambitions and Human Touch proposition.”

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