Compact SUV has been very popular in India for some time now and to capitalise the growing trend, Nissan is fielding its new offering by unveiling MAGNITE in the B-SUV segment. The sub-4 metre global SUV is also the first out of eight models to be launched in India under from Nissan Next programme. It is scheduled to be introduced in the second half of FY 2020-21.
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 Magnite will redefine the B-SUV segment in India. Developed as a model under Datsun brand, Magnite is expected to be priced aggressively as it will be competing with the likes of Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.
Magnite delivers on all four of Nissan’s key pillars – bold exteriors, interiors, technology and performance. The front is flooded with LEDs with 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 five-metre turning radius to help manoeuvre tight corners and parking.
Interiors:
It comes with a sporty 7-inch instrument panel, fully integrated steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that are 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, 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 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 organization. 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. (MT)
MINI India Launches Customisation Programme
- By MT Bureau
- August 26, 2026
German luxury brand BMW Group-owned MINI India has launched Mod My MINI, a vehicle customisation programme for Cooper and Countryman models. The initiative enables owners to alter both new and existing vehicles through factory-supported upgrades.
The programme provides options to modify components, including the roof, mirror caps, spoilers and brake calipers. Customers can select from a catalogue featuring over 100 paint shades, thematic decals and original accessories, yielding up to 2.5 million potential configurations.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “MINI has never been just a mode of transport; it is a declaration of personal style. We firmly believe that no two MINIs on the road should look the same, which is why the 'Mod My MINI' programme puts the design canvas directly into the hands of our owners. True luxury is defined by the freedom to choose, and by offering this unprecedented tier of factory-backed customisation, we ensure that every driver can define their vehicle's identity entirely on their own terms. Ultimately, small changes drive a big personality, making your driving experience as completely unmatched as your fingerprint.”
Decals applied through the programme carry a 24-month warranty from the installation date. The service is available across MINI India’s 17 sales touchpoints in 16 cities, with vehicle servicing integrated into the broader BMW Group India network spanning 51 locations.
Hyundai To Launch 26 Models In India By 2030 As Part of Ambitious Growth Strategy
- By MT Bureau
- August 26, 2026
South Korean automotive major Hyundai Motor Company has announced plans to achieve 5.55 million annual global vehicle sales by 2030, targeting a 6 percent global market share. The OEM intends to increase the share of electrified vehicles in its sales mix to 60 percent by 2030, up from 23 percent in 2025.
Interestingly, the company’s ambitious strategy includes launching or refreshing more than 100 models by 2030 across major markets, including 58 in North America, 49 in South Korea, 41 in Europe, 26 in India and 22 in China.
The product offensive features Extended Range Electric Vehicles offering over 600 miles of range, with the Santa Fe EREV set to begin production at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the first half of 2027.
Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Our fundamentals have never been stronger. Hyundai Motor Group is the third-largest automotive group and the second-most profitable, which gives us the ability to invest while others are pulling back. We are bringing more than 100 new models to market by 2030 with multiple powertrain options and raising our operating margin above 9 percent. We are leveraging partnerships to scale new technologies and opportunities and becoming a physical AI company which will produce and deploy robots and robotaxis.”
Hyundai Motor plans to add 1.27 million units of global manufacturing capacity by 2030. The expansion allocates 500,000 units to North America, 320,000 to India, 250,000 across complete knock-down sites and 200,000 to South Korea, including a facility at its Ulsan operations.
In North America, Hyundai aims to raise its local parts sourcing target to 80 percent by 2030. The brand plans to offer more than 10 hybrid models in the region, targeting a 50 percent hybrid sales mix produced at its Alabama and Georgia facilities.
The Genesis luxury brand aims to achieve 350,000 annual sales across more than 40 markets by 2030. Genesis will launch the GV80 Hybrid in the fourth quarter, followed by the GV90 flagship SUV and an EREV variant targeting a range of over 640 miles in early 2027.
The group will begin deliveries of IONIQ 5 Waymo robotaxis in the fourth quarter of 2026 from its Georgia plant, ahead of commercial driverless services later in the year. Hyundai is also collaborating with Boston Dynamics to commercialise manufacturing robotics, planning to deploy the industrial humanoid robot Atlas at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America from 2028.
Autonomous driving development includes testing Atria AI in South Korea this year, followed by Level 2+ autonomous integration on mass-produced vehicles in 2028 through a collaboration with NVIDIA. To support computing requirements, Hyundai plans to open the 100-megawatt Saemangeum AI Data Center in 2029.
In-house battery developments feature cells delivering higher output and 40 percent faster charging speeds, alongside cloud-based battery management systems aimed at extending cell life by 20 per cent by 2028. The company is introducing Thermal Runaway Protection technology on the Genesis GV90 to prevent heat transfer between battery cells.
Financial targets for 2030 include raising the consolidated operating profit margin target to above 9 percent, supported by a 3 percentage point reduction in the cost of sales ratio. For the first half of 2026, Hyundai reported revenue of 95.2 trillion won (USD 70 billion) and an operating profit margin of 5.6 percent.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Exports Cross 200,000 Units
- By MT Bureau
- August 18, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India has announced that cumulative exports of its Fronx model have passed 200,000 units in under 38 months following the commencement of overseas shipments in June 2023.
Manufactured at the company's Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, the SUV is exported to nearly 90 markets, including Japan. The Fronx reached its initial 100,000 export milestone within 25 months, with the subsequent 100,000 units shipped over the following 13 months.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Every vehicle exported by Maruti Suzuki carries the hard work and pride of our people. Together, these vehicles take a piece of Indian manufacturing to nearly 120 countries. Fronx has been a key contributor to Maruti Suzuki’s success in exports. Since FY 24-25, it has been India's No. 1 exported passenger vehicle* and is now shipped to nearly 90 countries. After crossing the milestone of 100,000 exports in record time, Fronx reached its second lakh significantly faster, underlining its growing demand in the international markets.”
“Aligned with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, Maruti Suzuki continues to showcase the prowess of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Sustained focus on exports has earned the Company the number one position in passenger vehicle exports from India*. Illustrating this leadership, all three of India’s top exported passenger vehicles in Q1 FY 26-27^ were from Maruti Suzuki. The growing export volumes year-on-year are a strong endorsement of the reliability and appeal of the Company’s products across global markets,” added Takeuchi.
The Fronx remains the company's primary export model within its passenger vehicle lineup, supporting its total export volume across international regions.
Jeep Launches Compass 85th Anniversary Edition In India At INR 2.67 Million
- By MT Bureau
- August 17, 2026
Stellantis-owned Jeep India has launched the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition, limited to 85 units at prices starting at INR 2.67 million (ex-showroom).
The anniversary edition incorporates visual updates to the exterior and interior of the vehicle platform. External changes include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black alongside anniversary badging. The interior cabin features a black colour scheme paired with gold accents and contrast trim detailing.
Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand's legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive."
The vehicle is offered with optional accessory packages under the brand's personalisation options. These packages add functional and cabin features, including sunroof illumination, ambient lighting, a digital inner rear-view mirror and integrated front and rear dashcams. Bookings for the limited-run vehicle have opened across the company's dealership network and online sales platform.
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