Comparing The Nissan Magnite Turbo Manual And Auto CVT

It seems the age-old debate of manual or automatic continues but it’s not necessarily a good or bad thing. Thanks to advances in automotive technology, the gap between modern manual and automatic cars has been narrowed, especially concerning the Nissan Magnite Turbo.

In this article, we compare the performance of the Nissan Magnite Turbo manual version and the automatic CVT. But before we get to the statistics, let’s recap on some of the styling, technology and safety features on the Nissan Magnite Turbo.

Nissan Magnite Turbo Styling And Features

The Nissan Magnite is the perfect choice for those wanting to buy their first SUV or anyone looking to upgrade from a hatchback. It has a modern, sophisticated design, superb turbo engine and CVT gearbox, not to mention ample space for its size. Boot space is around 336 litres which is more than its closest rival and a 60:40 split for the rear seats gives more room for luggage, shopping and much more.

Nissan has gone for a black and grey dual-tone combination along with some silver inserts which works beautifully. The hexagonal air-con vents are at the top which means it has a cleaner, uncluttered dashboard. There is a touchscreen infotainment system in the centre with the air-conditioning controls below. On the top-spec model, the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake get a leather cover.

Features And Equipment

A standout is the fully digital seven-inch TFT screen which Nissan calls “the advanced drive-assist display”. It has plenty of graphics, vivid colours and animations displaying information such as TPMS, two trip meters, real-time and average fuel efficiency and hours driven, among others.

The top-spec model also gets climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, steering mounted audio controls, cruise control and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Parking in tight spots is also a breeze thanks to the 360-degree camera set up from the Nissan Kicks.

Apart from that, the Nissan Magnite Turbo has wireless charging and a technology pack with an air purifier, puddle lamps and ambient lighting. It also comes with driver-passenger airbags, Hill Start Assist, ABS, EBD and traction control. For a full list of features, prices and general review, visit the virtual Magnite showroom.

Nissan Magnite Turbo Automatic CVT

Starting off with the powertrain, both the Nissan Magnite manual and automatic CVT deliver 74 kW but the manual gets 160 Nm of torque compared to the automatic’s 152 Nm. That might be less but the maximum torque for the CVT is at 2200 rpm compared to 2800 rpm for the manual which is especially evident when driving on city roads.

The automatic CVT is an impressive piece of automotive engineering offering impressive performance without trying too hard. In terms of throttle response, it’s superb at closing in on gaps and moving ahead of traffic.

Better yet, put your foot down even more and the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT jumps ahead with a real 0-100 km/h in less than 12 seconds. Not bad at all for an automatic SUV with a 1.0-litre turbo engine. Moreover, these stats show that the Nissan Magnite is the fastest in its segment!

Nissan Magnite Turbo Manual

As you’d imagine, the manual Nissan Magnite Turbo is quicker with a 0-100 in 10.28 seconds. While gear changes are smooth and easy, the clutch can feel a little heavy and the engine response at lower revs could be better. But, for the price you pay and the number of features on the Nissan Magnite, it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

When reaching 1 700 to 1 800 rpm and higher, the manual Nissan Magnite Turbo really gets going but there is some turbo lag. However, it’s not a concern on the smart CVT as it adjusts according to your foot input which gives it infinite ratios to choose from.

When it comes to efficiency, though, the manual Nissan Magnite Turbo is better with a rated figure of 20 km/l compared to 17.7 km/l for the CVT.

What’s The Verdict?

There are pros and cons to both versions so it really comes down to personal preference. While the manual version is a little faster, offers more control and a better price tag, the CVT is also a great choice. Even though it costs more, the premium price gives you hassle-free gear changes, better driver comfort without being too slow like many older automatic cars have been known for.

Reference: Group 1 Nissan (https://www.group1nissan.co.za/blog/)