The market for Datsun cars might not be as demanding as the other manufacturer but the Japanese brand is trying hard to improve the sales. They brought the CVT transmission to the GO and GO+ models and now they are bringing up a compact SUV which will be called as Datsun Magnite.
Yes, several websites have reported that the upcoming compact SUV from Datsun will be called as Maginite. It is based on the Renault's HBC and will be underpinned by CMF-A platform.
Mechanically, it is likely to get the same 1.0-litre petrol engine that is present in the Triber. This engine produces a total of 72 PS of power and a peak torque of 96 Nm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and an automatic will be on offer soon. The latest news tells that the Triber will be getting a turbo petrol engine which will make more power.
Datsun Magnite is likely to be launched after the Renault's HBC compact SUV. The former is expected to make its mark in the country by the late 2020s and to be the costs low, it is expected to borrow some parts from the Triber.
As of now, there is no news if Magnite will be powered by a diesel engine or not. Since Renault has decided to pull the plug off from the oil burner, it is expected to continue with the sole petrol engine only.
The prices of the compact SUV are expected to stick between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Once launched it will compete with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon. Also, expect the other compact SUVs from Kia, Toyota and Volkswagen to join the line-up.
