Does the Nissan Magnite Look Cheap, or Just Affordable?

Saudi Arabia: The Nissan Magnite looks more expensive than it costs from the outside, with sharp LED lights and a chrome grille giving it a modern appearance. But step inside, and the hard plastics everywhere remind you this is a budget car, not a premium one. The 8-inch touchscreen and digital cluster add a tech-forward feel that competitors lack. You are getting a car that photographs well and feels adequate rather than cheap, which is exactly what SAR 69,999 should buy.

The First Attraction

The front grille dominates. It's big and chrome-trimmed and tries hard to look expensive. LED bi-projector headlamps come standard on both variants; that's rare at this price. The LED DRLs give it a modern face. From 10 meters away, the Magnite looks like it costs more than it does.

Then you notice the 16-inch alloy wheels. They're fine, not exciting, but they fill the arches adequately. The roof rails are standard, mostly for looks since most buyers won't strap anything up there.

Ground clearance is 203 mm, which means you sit higher than in a sedan. The elevated driving position gives you a wide field of view, which Nissan proudly claims is best-in-class. In practice, it means you see over most sedans and can spot speed bumps early.

What's Inside

The cabin uses a lot of hard plastic. The door panels, dashboard sides, and center console are all hard. The seats are fabric, not leather, despite what some marketing materials suggest. They are comfortable enough for an hour's drive but nothing special.

You get an 8-inch touchscreen in the middle. It works with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read. These screens are the Magnite's USP; competitors at this price often stick with analog gauges.

Feature Breakdown by Variant

Standard on SV (SAR 69,999):

• Automatic climate control
• Rear AC vents
• Cruise control
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Cooled glovebox (actually useful in Saudi summers)
• Rear parking camera
• Wireless phone charger
• Remote engine start

Additional on SL (SAR 80,999):

• Push-button start (instead of key start)
• 360-degree camera

That's it. Two features for SAR 11,000 more. The 360-degree camera is genuinely helpful in tight parking situations. But the push-button starts? That's a convenience feature, not a necessity.

The Storage 

Cup holders are everywhere: front, rear, and center console. There are bottle holders located in each of the four doors. The glovebox is cooled, which matters when you leave water bottles in it during the summer. Boot space is adequate for a family of four's groceries or two medium suitcases. The rear seats don't fold completely flat, but they do fold.

What The Price Get You 

The Magnite's exterior design is its strongest card because it looks modern and confident. The LED lighting is a genuine highlight. The interior, though? At most functional, clean, and basic. The material is not greatly impressive, but everything works. The touchscreen responds quickly. The AC cools well. The seats support you adequately on medium drives. 

If you are moving up from an older car or buying your first compact SUV, the Magnite feels like a step up. If you are cross-shopping with the Renault Duster or Toyota Urban Cruiser, you will notice the Magnite uses cheaper materials but offers more tech.

The Magnite doesn't hide what it is. It's a budget crossover that looks more expensive than it costs. And for many Saudi buyers watching their aqsat payments, that's exactly the point.

Also Read: How Capable Is the Hyundai Venue's AC System and Cabin Comfort?