All-new SUV brings powerful 1.0-litre turbo engine
Manual or continuously variable transmission
Seamless experience with Nissan high-tech
IS THIS possibly the best-looking small sport utility vehicle yet from Nissan? It’s the Magnite whose highway and byway progress depends on computerisation and a petite, one-litre, turbo engine that packs a 74kW/150Nm punch.
Not only South Africa will be getting the cars after Father Time has waved his wand to welcome in 2021: island nations Mauritius and Seychelles and mainland Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda and Tanzania will be taking the Magnite.
So, what’s in the package? A choice of five-speed manual or X-Tronic constantly variable gearbox governed at the driver’s request by cruise control, five seats and a modestly high ride.
D-STEP logic control computer software for the autobox will determine what is required from dynamic inputs such as vehicle speed, accelerator position, and speed-determined ideal gear ratio needed to deliver, Nissan says, ”an exhilarating drive and smooth highway cruising”.
‘TAKING A BOLD STEP’
Kabelo Rabotho, country director for Nissan SA, told The Corner: “Nissan will welcome the new Nissan Magnite to SA and to sub-Saharan Africa in 2021 with its powerful HRA0 1.0, turbo engine.
”We’re taking a bold step to establish our presence as the leader in relentless innovation, advanced technology, and true customer experiences.”
The HRA0 one-litre turbo engine uses a “mirror-bore” cylinder coating from world-class sport cars such as the Nissan GT-R to reduce engine friction and reduce weight to manage heat and combustion and delivering smooth acceleration and fuel economy.”
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The engine. we’re told, has six technical improvements that result in better fuel-economy yet provide quick acceleration. Great care has been taken to reduce vehicle-defining noise, vibration, and harshness through improved powertrain and road noise isolation to deliver a quieter cabin.
Rabotho added: ”The engine also provides as much as 50% better acceleration over non-turbo engines, especially at launch and during overtaking, and the Magnite embodies our philosophy of Nissan-ness – empowering people through breakthrough products and technology.
”The B-Cross/SUV is another milestone in our ‘Nissan Next’ phase for a highly enjoyable driving experience while reducing emissions and fuel-consumption – a compelling combination every car owner can appreciate.”
BETTER PACKAGING
An innovation is the turbocharger’s elastic drive belt: it’s made of a special material that disposes of the usual tensioner, sheds weight and friction, and further benefits fuel economy while cutting CO2 emissions.
Rabotho has the last few words: ”The compact cylinder-head has an exhaust manifold and plastic cover for better engine packaging and to reduce the number of ducts for better and faster catalyst warming – and cleaner emissions.”
