Nissan SA has quietly expanded its Magnite range, adding a new base engine and thus slashing the line-up’s starting price. Here’s how much you’ll pay…

The Nissan Magnite range in South Africa has been quietly expanded from 6 derivatives to 9 thanks to the introduction of a new base engine plus a fresh entry-level grade. As a result, the line-up’s starting price falls from R296500 to R227900.

Previously, all variants in the local Magnite range were powered by the Japanese firm’s 74 kW turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 160 Nm when linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox and 152 Nm when mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

However, the 3 newly added derivatives each employ a naturally aspirated 3-pot of the same displacement, which generates a more modest 53 kW and 96 Nm. Offered exclusively in conjunction with a 5-speed manual cog-swapper, this motor results in a claimed 0-100 kph time of 16.0 seconds (4.3 seconds tardier than the turbo version) and a listed combined fuel economy figure of 5.9 litres per 100 km.

So, how much do these new atmospheric variants cost? Well, the Magnite 1.0 Visia kicks off at R227900 (hat-tip to the vehicle information specialists over at duoporta.com!), and introduces a new Visia trim level to the line-up. Unfortunately, we have found only a single (low-resolution) image of the newcomer thus far, which we’ve embedded below.

The new entry-level Visia trim is pictured on the left.

Despite what you see above, we understand the Visia grade does without alloy wheels (featuring steel wheels instead) and LED daytime running lights, while also ditching the touchscreen infotainment system (settling for a double-din radio), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the driver display, the start-stop button (instead relying on an ignition barrel), height adjustment for the driver’s seat and the 60:40 split function for the rear bench.

Meanwhile, the Magnite 1.0 Acenta comes in at R242900, gaining the items mentioned above, while the Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus starts at R257900, adding features such as LED headlamps, a 2nd 12-volt power outlet (handily sited for rear passengers), leather trim for the steering wheel, cruise control and Nissan’s around-view monitor.

As before, the turbocharged models are priced thus: Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta (R296500), Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition (R304300), Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta CVT (R324000), Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus (R326000), Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition CVT (R331800) and Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus CVT (R353500).

As a reminder, Nissan launched the front-wheel-drive Magnite locally in April 2021, before adding the Red Edition variants late in 2022. Over the opening 4 months of 2023, the Indian-built Magnite was Nissan SA’s 2nd best-selling vehicle overall with 2419 registrations (beaten only by the NP200, which moved 4492 units), and easily the firm’s most popular passenger car. Sales peaked in January, when 756 units were registered.

How much does the Nissan Magnite cost in South Africa?

Magnite 1.0 Visia – R227900

Magnite 1.0 Acenta – R242900

Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus – R257900

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta – R296500

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition – R304300

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta CVT – R324000

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus – R326000

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Red Edition CVT – R331800

Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus CVT – R353 500

The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10000 km).

Buy a used Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za!

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