Nissan Magnite
There is no doubt that the Nissan Magnite automatic has the advantage of having one of the best-tuned CVT gearboxes on the market. In direct comparison, it may not be as good as some of the Korean DCTs in this segment, but it’s leagues ahead of the rest of the torque converter ATs, AMTs and CVTs that the segment has to offer. At least as far as automatic sub-compact SUVs go this puts the Magnite into strong contention as the value for money offering, having spent three months with it, I know I’d consider it. Especially considering the price of this top-spec automatic is comparable to mid-spec variants of the segment leaders. In the almost 2,000km we’ve put on the odo over the last three months, I’ve realised the benefits of the CVT are twofold. For one the prompt responses and almost unnoticeable rubber band effect improve the drive experience in general, but I think the bigger advantage is the efficiency that a well-tuned CVT can offer. Minimal rubber banding means less unnecessary revs, meaning the engine runs more efficiently and while petrol prices may have been relieved this month a fuel-efficient automatic is never a bad thing. I say this is a more definite advantage because, on this one parameter, the Magnite may even have the advantage over Korean DCTs. The CVT also gets a Sport mode that you can activate from the lever. When engaged it holds the revs to the redline but also brings in a little bit of the rubber band effect especially when there’s inertia to be overcome quickly while accelerating or overtaking. It’s the only flaw worth noting in an otherwise exceptional gearbox and is among my favourite things about the Nissan Magnite.
NISSAN MAGNITE AUTOMATIC HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HAVING ONE OF THE BESTTUNED CVT GEARBOXES ON THE MARKET