PIMS 2024 | Nissan Magnite previewed for PH market to fight Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is testing the waters in the budget B-segment crossover segment as it previews at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) the Magnite.

This subcompact crossover was originally unveiled for the Indian market in October 2020, and recently received a facelift there with exports to left-hand drive markets confirmed to happen within the coming months. 

Sitting below the Kicks in the Japanese automaker’s global lineup, the Magnite is their smallest crossover and measures at a length of 3,994mm, width of 1,758mm, and height of 1,572mm. If launched here, it would compete directly with other small crossovers such as the Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet, and Chery Tiggo 2 Pro.

Interestingly, Nissan Philippines decided to preview the Magnite in its pre-refresh form which also means the display unit was in right-hand drive. Regardless, if it’s launched here, we’ll more than likely see the facelifted version as that is what is confirmed for export to LHD markets.

You can read about the recently updated Nissan Magnite here. 

Based on available information from other markets, the Magnite gets a 1.0-liter HRA0DET turbocharged Inline 3-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT. 

Sounds familiar? That powertrain is shared with the local-spec Nissan Almera which could also mean that it would have to take a minimum 95 octane of fuel.

Nothing is final yet when it comes to the Nissan Magnite here in the Philippines as this is just a preview and a test to see if the market wants it. If ever launched here though, and based on feedback on our previous write-ups, this little crossover surely has potential.