We’re not done with Nissan’s teaser for the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show just yet. So far, we’ve covered the all-new Patrol and fourth-generation X-Trail being the potential models to be on display there.
But the third one we’re covering could likely be the most important addition to the local lineup. By our reckoning, it might just be the Nissan Magnite.
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The Nissan Magnite made its world premiere in late 2020 for the 2021 model year. It was first introduced in India but has since been exported to other countries such as Indonesia, South Africa, and Brunei. It rides on the same platform as the Renault Kwid that also forms the foundations of the Dongfeng Nanobox.
Should it be the Magnite, it means that the Philippines could be the first left-hand drive market to get it. So far, all exports from India are in right-hand drive, so it’s an interesting development. After all, Nissan has expressed its desire to make it a true global model.
The Magnite slots below the Kicks in Nissan’s crossover hierarchy. At just 3,994 mm long, it’s about the length of the Toyota Raize, one of its key rivals. Under its hood is a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo from the Almera and shifts with a continuously variable transmission.
If anything, Nissan Philippines needs a product like the Magnite. Aside from the Toyota Raize, there is a whole slew of affordable subcompact crossovers that have landed in the country, particularly from China. Nissan has all the potential to make headway in that segment as demand for these small crossovers continue to grow.
