The vehicle was at the service centre on the very next day of delivery and they fixed the alignment issue.

BHPian Balmagbrzjim recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We have the XV Premium CVT variant and right from the beginning, the warning lights w.r.t ESC, ABS, Hill hold usually comes up whenever there was a three point manouvre in tight parking spaces and the warning lights won't go. The solution was to switch off and on the car completely after a few minutes. The warning signs are still there but with break pedal pressed and a slight steering movement, all the warning signs disappear. It was a major eyesore as well as inconvience. During the first service, the service centre guys finally accepted that yes, there is a problem and the whole ABS module needs to be changed. Any owner who has faced this issue???

Also, there was this steering alignment towards the right and a right pull while driving in a straight line right from the beginning. The vehicle was at the service centre on the very next day of delivery and they fixed the alignment issue. Now after the 1st service, when I took the trial, the same issue cropped up. The guys kept me waiting till 7:30 PM till they did multiple wheel alignment/steering adjustments and trials.

After so much frustration, I got the vehicle back and still there is a very miniscule amount of steering misalignment and right pull which I only am experiencing. The guys told me that they will fix all the problems at the time of ABS module replacement.

After 1 week, I got this message for feedback and I vented out all the frustration and niggles while giving a very low rating.

I hope no one has experienced this issue and Nissan listens to the feedback.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

This is not an isolated case, I know a few other people who had issue with the wheel bearing and luckily they were all under standard warranty hence they got it changed under warranty.

BHPian dudevarkey recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Nissan Magnite's rear left wheel bearing is damaged at just 18000 Kms. My standard warranty got expired and I am on extended warranty, this issue surfaced two days after the expiry of standard warranty (a week after the 2nd service) and Nissan has rejected the warranty claim saying Terms & Conditions of Extended Warranty says bearings are not covered.

The car has clocked just 18000 kilometres and I haven't driven on water logged areas/ muddy roads or on off-roads. The wheel alignment and balancing done every 5000 kilometres. Still bearing has failed, which is supposed to last much longer. Had written to customer care and also spoken to Nissan ASM. The ASM says he can give 50% discount as a goodwill gesture.

This is not an isolated case, I know a few other people who had issue with the wheel bearing and luckily they were all under standard warranty hence they got it changed under warranty. The point is there is some quality/design issue with the part, otherwise wheel bearings never fail at such low kilometres and it is not fair from the side of Nissan to reject warranty for a part which is not supposed to get damaged so soon.

I started getting the humming sound a week after 2 year service and just after 2 days of expiry of warranty. Since they have a clause saying bearings are not covered under EW, the warranty claim is rejected.

Extremely disappointed with how things has turned out and the way Nissan is handling customer complaints.

Here's what BHPian SideView had to say on the matter:

50% goodwill i think is good. Unlucky with the end timing of standard warranty.

I would say accept it and forget about it. Are you only replacing one wheel or they proactively replacement of all after checking?

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Magnite now gets ESC, traction control & TPMS across all variants.

Nissan has silently introduced the 2023 edition of the Magnite. The crossover now comes equipped with a host of safety features.

The Nissan Magnite is available in five variants: XE, XL, XV Executive, XV and XV Premium. The standard safety kit on the car includes electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hydraulic brake assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The top variant gets a 360-degree camera and over 50 connected car features along with Smartwatch connectivity.

The 2023 Magnite is available with the same set of engines, except that they are now RDE-compliant. The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol unit puts out 71 BHP and 96 Nm, while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 99 BHP and 160 Nm. Both engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission, with the latter getting a CVT option.

Thanks to BHPian swiftvxi06 for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

No comments on the quality of the paint but it is definitely better than the multi color discotheque I had on my bonnet earlier

BHPian akg7091 had shared his harrowing experience with his Nissan Magnite before.

He had the following update to share on the matter:

The saga, hopefully, comes to an end ! Took delivery of the car late evening.

• Wheel alignment issue resolved

• Noise - still the same ( 10-20% of the original noise level when I had first raised the noise issue ). No noise in the CVT demo car ( different than the one I compared with a few days back ) or the MT car I compared with ( I was told each vehicle is different and the level of noise in mine is acceptable / normal ). Took the car back as it wasn't rational to let it remain in the workshop indefinitely. I just hope the noise doesn't increase.

• No comments on the quality of the paint but it is definitely better than the multi color discotheque I had on my bonnet earlier. Hopefully this repaint will last till the warranty of the vehicle and not peel off in a few months

Special shout out to the GM service at Neo Nissan whose involvement in the past 2-3 months at least made things move. He was ALWAYS approachable and helpful. Hope Nissan India improves their processes and controls.

Edit : Forgot to add that the dealership offered to send a pickup car to my house. Kudos for this small but appreciable gesture. Not a single call from any senior person at Nissan though it is obvious my mass email is one of the reasons for the quick resolution of the issues being faced. I hope Nissan India improves their CS going forward. Taking feedback from existing customers might help then both retain and get new customers.

PS : Took the below pic on an empty elevated road driving at 60 with cruise control. The powertrain is a gem.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Adjustable suspensions come with a "soft" setting which greatly enhances comfort by delivering a plush, softer ride.

Your preferred suspension tune - Soft (comfortable), medium (balance), firm (sporty)

A car's suspension ultimately determines the way it rides and handles - factors which are instrumental in determining the purchase for enthusiasts. Suspensions may be tuned to provide a plush ride (soft) or very sharp handling (firm). Some might be tuned keeping in mind a balance between ride & handling.

So, what's your kind of suspension tune?

Soft (comfortable)

A soft suspension is not rigid. In general, this gives the vehicle a plush low-speed ride. Even when the road gets rough, occupants will not be uncomfortable. This sort of suspension is ideal for commuting as the comfort of occupants is prioritised.

On the downside, a soft suspension will make a car prone to body roll. Such a suspension is not suitable if the driver gets enthusiastic in corners. Again, a soft suspension will make the car wallowy at high speeds. This setup is not for enthusiastic drivers.

Examples of cars with a soft suspension setup:

MG Hector

Skoda Octavia

Kia Carnival

Maruti Ciaz

Medium (balance)

A medium suspension setup sits between a soft and firm one. It provides a good balance of ride and handling. In such cases, the car will have a compliant ride for the most part and acceptable handling for an enthusiastic driver. Such a setup is ideal for those who use their cars for commuting from Monday to Friday, and enjoy blasting on a winding country road on a Sunday morning.

Negatives? It's neither here nor there. Sometimes, one might just feel that he could do with a more plush ride or, if the roads in the area are really good, get a car that has a firmer suspension. While handling is not poor in a car with a medium suspension setup, it won't be as sharp as a car with a firm suspension.

Examples of cars with a medium suspension setup:

Skoda Kushaq

Maruti Grand Vitara

BMW 3-series

Citroen C5 Aircross

Firm (sporty)

A firm suspension is more rigid than the other two setups. In the case of most firm suspension setups, passengers will feel all the bumps and irregularities on the road, which translates to a jiggly low-speed ride.

However, a firm suspension setup gives a vehicle superior handling. There is less body roll and corners can be taken at higher speeds. The suspension is quick to recover on hitting dips and undulations on the road, which also results in better high-speed stability. 100+ kmph ride comfort on expressways is generally better with firmer suspensions (more planted feel). Those after performance and handling are more likely to enjoy a firm suspension setup.

Examples of cars with a firm suspension setup:

Kia Seltos

Ford Ecosport

Volkswagen Tiguan

Tata Nexon

Nissan Magnite

Special Mention = Adjustable Suspensions

Clearly giving you the best of both worlds, adjustable suspensions come with a "soft" setting which greatly enhances comfort by delivering a plush, softer ride. Flick the magic button on the open road & things firm up, making the suspension more dynamically-oriented now. The Kodiaq is the first car in its segment to offer adjustable dampers & we sure hope other brands / cars follow. This dual-personality is a MUST-HAVE for India, thanks to our varying road conditions.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

In my 20s, I'd have nodded vigorously & voted for "firm & sporty" . Today? No way. My first choice is "medium" . Extremely happy with the balance of cars like the 3-Series, Kushaq / Slavia, C5, etc. This is perfect for India. Will reward you for the 10% of the times you are driving hard & keep you acceptably comfortable for the other 90%. Stiff & firm suspensions are no longer for me - heck, I'd pick an Octavia or Hector tune over a stiff back-breaking setup. My sister drives a Tiguan and I hate travelling in it to Pawna. Do consider the aftermarket also = My next car (arriving in December) has a bumpy suspension, so I’ve already gotten an after-market suspension which improves ride comfort. There is plenty of high quality aftermarket support today.

Here's what BHPian Dr.AD had to say on the matter:

I voted for "Medium (Balanced)".

For Indian driving conditions, and for my long weekend drives on mixed highways and rural roads conditions, a well-balanced suspension is my choice. I am quite happy with the suspensions of my F30 3-series, which falls in this well balanced category.

However, for pure highway drives, I would like a firm and sporty suspension. On some fast runs on smooth highways, I find my F30 suspensions a bit too soft for my liking (even when I am running Run Flat Tyres). I would have loved them to be a tad firmer for those conditions. And that is why I find it amusing when people complain of harshness of RFTs on F30s (or even G20s, which are not firm by any standards). For me, even with RFTs, the F30 or G20 ride is a bit too soft for highways (but perfect for bad rural roads and overall mixed driving conditions).

On a couple of times, I got a ride in an M340i on long highways (Bangalore to Chennai), and loved that ride. M340i has optimal firmness for highway drives. I really like that sporty firm feel on the highways. So maybe, my choice would be somewhere between medium to firm suspensions in general, for our driving conditions.

What I absolutely do not like is soft suspensions. That soft, wallowy ride is the worst, and no matter what the conditions, I would stay away from such soft cars.

Here's what BHPian aravind.anand had to say on the matter:

My daily driver is a Fiesta 1.6S with sport-tuned firm suspension. Apart from the corners where it makes me smile, there are far too many bumps and ruts that have caused me to wince and cringe.

I had to think twice between soft & medium suspensions before voting, I dream of a cushy ride that much! Considering the condition of roads in our country, firm is definitely not enjoyable.

I finally chose medium, as soft suspensions will roll too much and also tend to bob up & down at highway speeds.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The new model is expected to rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.

Hyundai is said to be working on a new compact SUV for the Indian market. The new model is expected to rival the likes of the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.

According to a media report, the new entry-level crossover will be positioned below the Venue in Hyundai’s model line-up. It is expected to go on sale in 2023 during the festive season.

The report also reveals that the model under development has been codenamed ‘Ai3 CUV’. It is also said that Hyundai had evaluated this segment in 2016-17, but the project only received the final go-ahead before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2021, the Hyundai Casper was introduced in global markets. It is based on the K1 platform and measures just over 3.5 meters in length. Reports suggest that the new model will be slightly bigger than that.

Source: Autocar India

There is no customer care which will help you when dealers don't do their work. Nissan is not even 1% of how customer centric Maruti is.

BHPian akg7091 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dropped the car off at the dealership today

• Suspension noise was still present. Suspension has been opened 3/4 times in 3 months. This time I was told that they will replace the front right shocker under warranty because the noise isn't going away

• Both DRLs being replaced under warranty. One is completely dead and the other has started failing as per the service advisor. Car has run ~15k kms so the DRLs shouldn't fail so quickly. NO MODS / Outside accessories installed except a dashcam powered by the cigarette lighter. I am glad I didn't get a woofer installed when I got the car otherwise Nissan being Nissan would have denied to replace the HU / DRLs etc

• Rear tail lamp being replaced FOC as "goodwill" - there was a dead insect inside it and they opened the tail lamp to clean it up. No physical damage / impact so not sure how the insect got inside a sealed unit. I was told by the SA that it will be replaced but they had cleaned it and refit without my knowledge. I got to know only when I asked to see the old one on taking delivery of the car - they had to admit they didn't replace despite telling me it was replaced !

• Bonnet will be repainted FOC - I have been told that the previous paint job was not as per SOP ( they missed the heat treatment ) and this time it will be painted properly.

I hope someone from Nissan India reads this thread. I want Nissan to succeed. I haven't faced any issues with the kicks / redigo we bought. It's only the magnite where the poor quality of parts used is showing up within a year of use. They need to audit the parts supplied by vendors to ensure their specs are being met. Wonderful car - great engine / gearbox / mileage. Poor QC.

Apart from a few misses, the dealership employees have been helpful. No complaints except "forgetting" about the work to be done for 3 weeks ( ETA 3 days ) "twice !" and cleaning the tail lamp when I was told it had been replaced. Hopefully this time they will actually replace the tail lamp!

Update 1:

My car was supposed to be returned on Wednesday ( I had offered them to take a few more days and I will pick it up on Friday / Saturday lol ).

It's Saturday and no clue when I will get the car back. Nobody knows anything. The first clue that it's not gonna be returned on time was ........... when someone called me on Tuesday evening to ask me what is wrong with the car. It just stood there in the workshop for 2 days ! Got a call on Thursday by a lady to bring my car in for repairs!

I hope this thread reaches Rakesh ji's inbox somehow. The A.S.S is a mess

• No update on phone/whatsapp for vehicle status so went to the workshop - glad I did !

• Bonnet being repainted today - vehicle with them since monday !

• They forgot to order the parts under warranty, AGAIN ! Third time this has happened IIRC. I can't even understand how you can forget to order the parts to be replaced. Vehicle has been with them for a week now. I literally went from desk to desk to get the parts ordered today
• Vehicle will be returned on thursday, I guess.

There is no customer care which will help you when dealers don't do their work. Nissan is not even 1% of how customer centric Maruti is.

Update 2:

Conference call with the ASM service. It has been discussed that the dealership will properly diagnose the issues and share a deadline for resolution tomorrow. Waiting for my magnite to come back home soon with all niggles fixed.

In 20 odd years of car ownership and service this is the first time I felt "lost" - nobody knows anything and there's no formal matrix for escalating to OEM. Every email to the customer care is just forwarded to the dealership. Nissan India CC doesn't even bother to try and resolve issues. Maruti is truly the gold standard of customer service and now I understand why it sells in such numbers - peace of mind .

Update 3

Nissan India CC is copied on EVERY email. A few other Nissan employees (guessed emails using linkedin) such as head customer quality North India are copied. 4+ months. 2 dozen odd emails documenting status. NOBODY at Nissan India has bothered to call back ( normal CC calls me and tells me they are looking into it but nothing happens after that

I got the number of the ASM service through a jugaad and he called back only when I texted / called him a few times. Nissan India is definitely the worst OEM in India. They make even MTNL look more customer service oriented

I can't believe Rakesh ji has setup such horrible processes after looking at how great he was at Hyundai. Seems that even he has given up and nobody's bothered about anything.

Update 4:

Went to pickup the vehicle. Things seem to be moving now but I am pretty sure nobody senior from Nissan has read this thread. All of the work discussed was done but there was still some sound ( ~20% of the original noise ) coming from the suspension which I pointed out to them during a test drive. I have been assured they will diagnose and fix this as well. They have promised to deliver the vehicle tomorrow but as I am travelling I will pick it up on Monday. Hope it's fixed properly this time because the workshop in my city has shut down ( today was their last day ) and the new workshop won't open for the next 2-3 months atleast.

Continue reading BHPian akg7091's ordeal with his Nissan Magnite for more insights and information.

The car has spent 3 odd months in the workshop this year. I even offered to pay 50k if Nissan replaces my car with a new magnite of the same spec just to solve the recurring issues I am facing.

BHPian akg7091 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My warranty claim has finally been approved after 6 months of waiting and showing that the issue was prevalent across multiple other cars in the workshop. It doesn't matter that the "chrome spotting" issue is not reported by any other users - what matters is it happened with me despite using RO water and PH neutral shampoos with micro fibers to clean the car twice a month. Warranty claims so far :

• Bonnet repainted under warranty- Paint had started flaking off in the middle of the bonnet ( took ~2 months for warranty claim to be approved because dealership kept claiming Nissan won't approve paint flaking off as there is no paint warranty. I was told I will get the car back in 2-3 days but they took 3 WEEKS to return the car ).

• HU replaced- Crashes / reboots / disconnects. Multiple visits / videos of the glitches before it was finally approved and replaced. Took 2+ months of followups and a month of waiting for the part. Dealership was cooperative and helpful

• Power window switch replaced within a few mins of going to the workshop and showing the issue. Very good service provided

• DRL- Yet to be replaced. Warranty claim approved by dealership instantly on being shown the issue. VERY GOOD SERVICE imo

• Chrome- Yet to be replaced. Warranty approval took ~6 months because dealership claimed there is no paint / chrome warranty ( Car is with the workshop since last sunday when I was finally told by the dealership to bring it in). ETA given 2-3 days.  I got a call from the dealership on Thursday that the work is done and to come and pick up the car. When I went ~70% of the work was NOT DONE. The SA was on leave and there was confusion about the suspension noise / chrome parts I had pointed out to the SA as missing on my visit on Tuesday.

• Suspension noise- Multiple visits but still not fixed.

Nissan India has to figure out the post sales service and warranty processes. It's just too slow. Decent car - bad quality parts and meh service. I am pretty patient and don't mind waiting but 3 weeks to paint a panel ? A week and counting to replace some chrome bits ? I hope someone from Nissan reads this and takes this as feedback. We have bought 3 Nissan-Datsun cars in the family in the past 18 months from the same dealership. I have bet big on Rakesh ji's leadership. I hope my trust wasn't misplaced.

The claim that was approved after waiting for 6 months - now waiting for parts and updates from the dealership (dead DRLs being replaced, rear tail lamp had an insect and being replaced upon my request as a goodwill gesture).

On top of this, the bonnet that they repainted for paint chipping / bubbling - paint's started peeling off again ! They have told me they will repaint it again.

The car has spent 3 odd months in the workshop this year. I even offered to pay 50k if Nissan replaces my car with a new magnite of same model / variant / color just to solve the recurring issues I am facing.

Nissan India really needs to understand that we buy cars so we can drive them. Nobody really likes paying EMIs when the car is with the dealer for months ( Just a joke before Nissan India gets back with a rebuttal that no loan taken - I bought it cash down ! )

I want Nissan India to succeed. I have 3 cars in house from this brand - I still can't recommend this brand to anyone else. Great car. Perfect engine/cvt combo. Bad QC and horrible customer support. Kicks is a much better vehicle than Magnite when it comes to quality of parts used.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I work in a Central Govt. office in Delhi, with pathetic parking conditions where cars are shoved and pushed around in neutral to make space.

BHPian iamitp recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians,

In a few months, my trusty Honda City 2007 AT will no longer be legally driveable in Delhi. It serves as my daily beater car, and I need to find a replacement.

Here's about me:

My 'main' car is the Creta 1.4 DCT which I take on weekend drives and night-outs. I work in a Central Govt. office in Delhi, with pathetic parking conditions where cars are shoved and pushed around in neutral to make space. Monkeys abound as well, jumping on vehicles and defiling the paintwork. Hence, the Honda City over the Creta for my office commute. I am just over six feet tall, (over)weighing in at 120+ KGs with a lower back issue (slipped disc). My office drive is about 5 KM at present but may go up to 10 KM if shift houses and is almost always solo. I also use the beater as a backup car when my Creta is loaned to my brother, out for maintenance or if I am navigating narrow or crowded places.

What I think I need:

• I would like a smaller car so that it is easier to fit into tighter parking spaces and manoeuvre in congested areas, but I would like to sit comfortably in the driver's seat.
• I want a car which has good air conditioning for the extreme Delhi summers (and winters).
• I want an automatic car, as I am used to AT by now. Would prefer a TC/CVT over AMT.
• I want a reliable, low & cheap maintenance vehicle as it will be my daily beater.
• I would prefer spending lower than Rs. 7 lakhs, even lower is better. I am happy to go the used car route.

Looking forward to getting expert suggestions from fellow BHPians. Do let me know if there are any other factors I should list.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

After 2 smooth ATs, no way you'd be able to live with a jerky AMT. Only CVTs or Torque Converters will do. Lots of options in the 7 - 8 lakh budget (click here for listings). As a beater, I would strongly consider a Baleno or Glanza CVT, Ciaz Automatic (top choice), i20 CVT and Amaze CVT (here's a neat 2019 model).

If you are willing to spend a little more, how about a used Magnite CVT? Taller seating might help your lower back issue. Turbo-engine can be fun. Almost new. Extend the warranty and you're all set.

Let us know what you finally pick.

Here's what BHPian Durango Dude had to say on the matter:

Get a Jazz CVT when it's available. It's spacious (albeit a little long in the tooth), smooth transmission, fuel efficiency, easy to punt around and park. Beater it is!

Here's what BHPian varoon9999 had to say on the matter:

Hi, I am at same spot as you, I am also looking for a reliable yet enjoyable automatic car under 7 lakhs. My search has zeroed down to Honda-Jazz after looking at other options. Jazz CVT seems to have a great resale value too, all the good/neat options are asking too much. Additionally, you may look for these options as well:

• Honda Brio (Limited options available in used market, the one available being sold for premium).
• Grand i10 (Lesser AT options to look at).
• Honda City (plenty options, but not sure you want such a big car again).

Here's what BHPian turbowhistle had to say on the matter:

Amaze CVT or even 2013-14 City CVT will be the best choice. You already know the brand and must have some kind of relationship with ASC/FNG and will have to just carry it forward. Even Brio/Jazz would be good choice if you can get the facelifted one ( but the stock is so less in the market I gather).

I won't suggest older Hyundais as the TC gearbox isn't as good as Honda CVT.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I would prefer the Kia Sonet Diesel / Petrol AT. It's expensive, but the best of the lot IMHO. Among the MTs, I'd go for the XUV300 or the Nexon.

Citroen C3

What you'll like:

• Striking design! Very funky, yet likeable at the same time
• Good-looking cabin that is practical too
• 1.2L turbo-petrol is punchy, while the 1.2L naturally-aspirated engine offers excellent driveability
• 6-speed MT is slick and light to operate. Definitely one of the better gearboxes in the segment
• Sorted suspension offers a very good ride & handling package
• Compact size and light controls are perfect for the urban environment
• 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay is excellent to use
• Lots of customization options and accessories to make your car truly unique

What you won't:

• Missing plenty of features = electric ORVM adjustment, IRVM dimmer (not even manual), climate control, rear wiper & defogger, reversing camera, alloy wheels, tachometer!
• Just 2 variants at launch (no true top variant)
• No automatic transmission on offer - a big miss when ATs are rapidly gaining popularity in India
• Quality of cabin materials doesn't feel great; cost-cutting is pretty evident in certain areas
• Some ergonomic issues like the placement of rear power window switches, unusable rear headrests…
• 1.2L NA petrol’s highway performance is mediocre; 5-speed MT is notchy too
• Cabin width makes the interiors suitable for 4 adults, not 5
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns; the dealer network is tiny

Review Link

Tata Punch

What you'll like:

• Snazzy styling! We love the mini-Harrier face and tight rear end
• Well-designed & practical cabin with enough space for 4 adults
• 366-liter boot is accommodating
• 1.2L NA petrol offers good driveability in the city. Performance is acceptable <90 kmph
• Sorted road manners & reassuring high-speed stability
• Enjoyable Harman 6-speaker ICE. One of the better systems in this segment
• Features such as auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control, Traction Pro (AMT), cooled glovebox…with factory customization packs too
• A full 5-stars in the GNCAP! The safety package includes dual airbags, CSC, brake sway control, ISOFIX etc.

What you won't:

• 1.2L NA petrol’s highway performance is weak. At 100 km/h & up, more noise than action
• Suspension has a firm tune (R16 variants). It is compliant & liveable, but you do feel bad roads
• Jerky and slow AMT gearbox when competitors offer you smoother CVTs and torque converters
• 3-cylinder petrol cannot match the competition’s 4-cylinders in refinement & NVH
• No turbo petrol or diesel option. Period. Rivals & other Tata cars offer both
• Cabin width makes 4 adults welcome, not 5
• Some missing goodies such as an auto-dimming IRVM, split rear seat, rear AC vents, full-size spare…
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Nissan Magnite

What you'll like:

• The Magnite looks really good…that handsome face is a head-turner
• Sheer value-for-money pricing. Turbo-petrol with a proper AT under 10 lakhs!
• Peppy performance from the Magnite’s 1.0L turbo-petrol engine
• Smooth well-tuned CVT in a sea of jerky AMTs. Has Sport and L modes too
• Healthy legroom for rear passengers. Space packaging is brilliant
• Impressive kit (cruise control, LED headlamps, rear air-con vents, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)
• 205 mm of ground clearance is more than enough for any kind of bad roads
• Safety kit includes ESP, TPMS, ABS, EBD & hill start assist
• Base variant also gets a reasonable kit, including a rear wiper. It’s not poverty-spec

What you won't:

• Stiff & basic ride quality. You feel each and everything on the road
• The Magnite is built to a cost and it does show, especially in the budget-grade cabin
• Lower variants’ 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol is a boring, unimpressive engine
• Clunky, firm MT gearshift & a clutch pedal that has more weight than it should
• No diesel option available on the Nissan Magnite
• Cabin is narrower than some competitors. The narrow width makes it best for 4 adults
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, full-size spare tyre…
• Doesn't have the finesse or quality of premium crossovers like the XUV300, Sonet etc.
• Nissan's tiny dealership network & lousy after-sales quality

Review Link

Renault Kiger

Driving Report

2022 Maruti Brezza

What you'll like:

• Good-looking Compact SUV with improved road presence & mass appeal
• Well-rounded product. Takes a successful formula and improves upon it
• A competent BS6 petrol with Smart Hybrid tech and excellent fuel efficiency
• Smooth 6-speed torque-converter AT comes with paddle shifters
• Well-mannered suspension setup riding on 16-inch wheels and 215/60 section tyres
• Decent cabin space for a sub-4 meter car. Lots of storage & a powerful air-con too
• Now gets a sunroof, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, ambient lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etc
• Long feature list includes dual projector LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs & foglamps, auto-dimming IRVM, cruise control and a 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX. Built on the same platform as the outgoing car, which had received a 4-star GNCAP safety rating
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Feels more like a significant facelift rather than an all-new product
• No diesel option like its rivals! Petrol-only as of now. CNG may be offered in the future
• 1.5L petrol engine lacks outright grunt. Tuned for fuel efficiency and suitable for relaxed cruising only
• Expensive! AT variants are priced higher than competitor turbo-petrol with more advanced transmissions
• AT option commands a stiff Rs. 1.5 lakh ex-showroom premium!
• Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming for the price. The game has moved on
• Short gearing of the 5-speed MT and lack of 6th cog results in an unusually busy engine at 100-120 km/h
• 328-litre boot is among the smallest in the segment
• Some missing features like ventilated seats, leather upholstery, TPMS, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensors

Review Link

Hyundai Venue

What you'll like:

• A mini-Creta in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller package
• Precise build & quality (including interiors) are easily among the segment's best
• Competent engines mated to slick gearboxes
• Fast shifting dual-clutch Automatic gearbox available
• Balanced road manners. Very easy to drive as well
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (paddle shifters, drive modes, sunroof, BlueLink telematics, cabin air purifier etc.)
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, BAS, ESP, HSA, ISOFIX and more
• Hyundai's competent after-sales & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Diminutive street presence. Looks more hatchback than SUV from some angles, especially the rear
• Strictly a 4-seater; the rear bench has very awkward seating for the middle occupant
• Missing kit (auto wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment...)
• Long-term reliability of the DCT is a concern
• Engine noise is very prominent, more so in Sport mode
• AT only on the petrol, not the diesel. Kia Sonet gets a Diesel AT

Review Link

Kia Sonet

What you'll like:

• A mini-Seltos in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller package
• Sharp & handsome styling. In our opinion, this is the best-looking Compact SUV
• Excellent spread of powertrains including a fast & enjoyable turbo-petrol
• Diesel AT is fantastic; the only smooth torque-converter gearbox in a sea of AMTs
• Well-tuned suspension offers a good balance between ride & handling. 205 mm GC too
• Top safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, TPMS etc.
• Very enjoyable 7-speaker Bose sound system
• Impressive kit (ventilated seats, sunroof, auto LED headlamps, cruise control, wireless charger)

What you won't:

• Rear seat legroom is just adequate, while its limited width makes the Sonet a 4-seater
• Top variants are pricey! More expensive than its sibling, the Hyundai Venue too
• Some misses ( 60:40 rear seat split, auto wipers, steering reach adjustment, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims…)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• As always with Kia, the variant spread is tough to figure out. Good luck finding your perfect Sonet!
• Waiting periods are a couple of months long for some trims

Review Link

Tata Nexon

What you’ll like:

• Very well-priced for what it offers. Undercuts all rivals
• Funky styling ensures that the Nexon stands out from the crowd
• 5-star NCAP safety rating & a solid build, unlike many of its flimsy competitors
• Nice, spacious cabin with comfortable seats. You get a practical 350-litre boot too
• 1.5L diesel & 1.2L petrol offer good performance. Diesel is especially impressive
• Balanced road manners for such a tall car. Fine EPS & 209 mm of ground clearance!
• Loaded with features: Driving modes, LED DRLs, reversing camera, 8-speaker ICE etc.
• Dual airbags, ABS & Isofix child seat mounts are standard on all variants

What you won’t:

• Overdone design will be a turnoff for many of you. The rear end is way too busy
• Jiggly low-speed ride; bumps are felt in the city (unlike other Tata cars)
• 3-cylinder petrol can't match 4-cylinder competition in NVH. Has lag too
• The observant eye will notice some rough edges in fit, finish & quality
• Concerns over long-term reliability, more so of the freshly developed engines
• Missing essentials (telescopic steering adjustment, auto-dimming IRVM, proper dead pedal)
• Tata's inconsistent after-sales experience is far from that of Maruti & Hyundai
• Shorter service / checkup interval of 6 months & 7,500 km (rivals have 12-month gaps)

Review Link

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Launch Thread

Mahindra XUV300

What you'll like:

• A truly premium crossover. Nice build, quality & refinement levels
• Great looking! Smart design has none of the usual Mahindra quirkiness
• Cabin has enough space for 5. Quality-wise, the interior is more like a Hyundai
• Fantastic engines. The petrol & diesel, both, offer fast performance & good driveability
• A compliant ride with neutral road manners
• Top safety kit. 7 airbags, ESP, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, seatbelt reminders for all & more
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (front parking sensors, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers etc)

What you won't:

• The most expensive Compact SUV in India! Not overpriced, but definitely higher than expected
• 257-litre boot is the smallest in the segment. There are cheaper hatchbacks which have a larger boot
• Lack of a proper middle variant. W6 trim is simply too bare-bones, while W8 is expensive!
• AMT doesn’t suit a truly premium crossover like the XUV300
• Sad audio system by current standards. The bass, especially, is poor
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Some important features missing (dead pedal, parcel tray, rear air-con, steering reach adjustment etc)

Review Link

The 2021 XUV300 Petrol AMT

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Am an AT guy now, and would prefer the Kia Sonet Diesel / Petrol AT. It's expensive, but the best of the lot IMHO. Among the MTs, I'd go for the XUV300 or the Nexon, although I have to say = Mahindra & Tata really need to offer proper ATs in their Compact SUVs. Enough with the jerky AMTs. The two Indian brands have done a fabulous job with ATs in their larger SUVs (XUV700, Scorpio, Safari, Harrier); it's now time to offer smooth automatics in the smaller crossovers.

Here's what BHPian SoumenD had to say on the matter:

Voted for Magnite CVT.

I know it's an unpopular opinion but I somehow find it the best VFM currently in the sub-4m subCompact Crossover segment. My reasons:

Pros:

• A potent engine(1.0 turbo) transmission(CVT) combo.
• Great GC & good ride quality for our crater-filled roads.
• Frugal enough 10-11 km/l in city & 16+ on highways as per owners.
• 4* with stable bodyshell GNCAP rating.

Cons:

• Interiors quality is not really great.
• A.S.S is a hit or miss.

This segment has so many options but sadly not one is really a complete car that one can go for without compromising on an aspect or other. I find this the best compromise in the segment amongst all options. If this were available in 2019, would have been my pick ahead of my Jazz CVT for which I paid a similar price. No complaints with the Jazz as such but for 10-12L I find Magnite is a better value proposition in the current market.

Brezza AT would have been my first choice but for the pricing. 17L+ OTR for a sub4m car is beyond me

Citroen C3 is another option am following which looks promising but in my current avatar won’t make the cut for me. No AT option and missing basics like rear wash/wipe, adjustable front headrests at least and electric ORVMs.

Here's what BHPian Maverick1977 had to say on the matter:

The Kiger is the most VFM car in this segment considering it gets a CVT and not an AMT (and this also makes me wonder how the Nexon is a VFM product?). I have tested almost all cars in this segment (except the new Brezza and the Citroen) and can vouch the Kiger stood above the rest. The CVT is much better to drive compared to all the AMTs. The Brezza and Urban Cruiser were still using the 4-speed TC when I tried them out. Not a bad package then but the GB felt a bit dated.

All those labelling the Nexon a VFM product, please take a test drive and then vote. It will change your views.

Here's what BHPian chinmaypillay had to say on the matter:

If it's a primary car, would go for the Nexon diesel because of the VFM it offers.

For a Second car, would go for the Citroen mainly because it is fun to drive and covers the basics a car enthusiast wants. Good ride and handling which reminds me of my first car Figo. Many cars of today have lost the plot of having actual driving fun while loading gizmos to the brim. Citroen covers the basics, would go for it.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.