Nissan Magnite

• A 1.0-liter turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT automatic produces 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque. On paper, those numbers look modest, but in Riyadh’s midday traffic or on Jeddah’s morning commute, the engine gets the job done without complaint.
• Overtaking on the highway is possible, though you need to plan ahead rather than expect an instant surge.
• Claimed fuel economy stands at 17.3 km per liter, but expect between 14 and 15 in real Saudi driving conditions, which is still not bad.
• The 205 mm ground clearance is one of the Magnite’s practical strengths. It handles Saudi speed breakers well, and broken stretches on service roads in areas like Al Khobar or Dammam are less of a concern here than in lower sedans.

Some Realities

• This is a three-cylinder engine, and it is something you need to experience to understand its limitations. When you push it hard, you will hear it. Refinement at high revs is not on par with four-cylinder engines found in segment rivals. Noise levels are acceptable at cruising speeds but noticeable when accelerating hard or climbing.
• Front-wheel drive only, with no AWD option available.

• With an SUV body style, it has that elevated seating position that gives you a good view of traffic. Parking in tight mall basements is manageable with the light steering and a turning radius of just five meters. The 360-degree view on the SL makes urban parking even easier.
• On smooth city roads, the ride is comfortable. The suspension absorbs regular road imperfections without sending sharp feedback through the seat.

Things That Matter More

• On rough roads, you may find the ride is not the smoothest. However, overall the suspension is tuned for comfort, and on the kind of patchy surfaces found on the outskirts of Saudi cities, it feels firm rather than forgiving.
• The steering is light, perhaps too light. At highway speeds, it lacks the reassuring weight you want when making a quick correction. It is fine for routine driving but does not inspire confidence when pushed.
• You will notice tire noise on the highway. The three-cylinder engine produces mild vibration at idle that you feel through the steering wheel. It settles once moving, but it is noticeable at a standstill.

• A standard 8-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster reads clearly even in bright Saudi sunlight. Rear AC vents are standard on both trims, which matters enormously in Saudi summers. Automatic air conditioning keeps things comfortable for everyone in the cabin.
• At the top trim, you get fabric seats, LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors with a camera, and six speakers. The SL steps up to modure (leatherette-style) seats with contrast stitching, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera with multiple view options, cruise control, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cooled glove compartment, and remote engine start.
• Boot space of 336 liters is enough for weekly groceries. With the rear seats folded, it expands to around 690 liters, giving you real cargo flexibility when needed.

What Is Missing

• The 360-degree camera on the base SL trim works, but image quality is basic. The resolution is really soft, and on a bright day the feed can look washed out. 
• Interior plastics on the lower sections of the cabin are hard and feel cost-driven. The better materials are limited to areas your hands touch most. 
• Three adults in the rear bench will find it snug on longer journeys. Two adults sit comfortably, but the middle seat is best left for children.
• Cruise control is only on the top variants, and on Saudi highways between cities, this is a real gap.

What Is Included

• Six airbags come standard, covering the driver, front passenger, front sides, and curtain airbags.
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, hill start assist, brake assist, and tire pressure monitoring are all standard.
• ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and an engine immobilizer are included across the range.
• The top-end variant gets a 360-degree camera, automatic headlamps, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Things to Consider

• The Magnite received a four-star ASEAN NCAP rating in previous testing. It has not been specifically crash tested for the Middle East market, so take that as an indicator rather than a guarantee.
• Lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking are absent from both trims. This is understandable, but buyers comparing against rivals in this price range should factor it in.
• The three-year or 100,000 km warranty through Manahil and Petromin is fair and should play a role in your ownership experience. On the positive side, Nissan's dealer network through Petromin is reasonably broad across the Kingdom, which gives you more after-sales confidence compared to newer brands entering the market.
• Resale value for the Magnite remains an open question in Saudi Arabia. The car is new to the market and does not yet have an established used-car track record. The Nissan badge helps, but buyers planning to sell within two or three years should factor in that uncertainty.