Clash of the Segments– Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift!

This clash of segment edition brings the comparison of the all-new Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift. The shockingly aggressive pricing of the Magnite has prompted this comparison with the Swift. The Nissan Magnite starts at Rs 4.99 lacs and goes all the way up to Rs 9.45 lacs. Maruti Suzuki Swift comes at Rs 5.19 lacs and tops up at Rs 8.02 lacs ex-showroom Delhi. What this essentially shows is a complete overlap of prices, obliterating the distinction between the two segments. But which one is the right choice for you, that’s what we are here to find out!

Also check out our Clash of Segments – Nissan Magnite vs Hyundai i20!

Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Specifications

Nissan Magnite is powered by 3-Cylinder 1L Petrol and a bit more powerful Turbo-Petrol Engines making 71 bhp/96 Nm and 99 bhp/160 Nm respectively. Now, Magnite having a Kerb weight of a mere 1039 kg is able to draw a lot of performance from these engines. Although the steering is a bit inert, the turbo-powered engine is decent enough to put you back in your seat once the turbo kicks in. Magnite offers a decent ride and handling experience, especially around the corners. The stiff suspension translates to high-speed stability.

Maruti Suzuki Swift on the other hand needs no introduction when it comes to engine, transmission and driving experience. It continues with the same successful 1.2L Petrol making 82 bhp and 113 Nm. This is the most successful car in India and there is a reason why. It has a perfectly weighed suspension setup which absorbs bumps efficiently as well provides good stability at high speeds. Car feels light on its feet and is easy to manoeuvre around. The size makes it a perfect car to have in a city.

The Turbo-petrol variant of the Nissan Magnite does feel more engaging and sporty. If you are looking for a spirited performance, the 1L Turbo-petrol Magnite offers you the option of either a manual or a CVT. This will be our pick.

Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Fuel Economy

Magnite gives a rather impressive 20 kmpl with its 1L Turbo-Petrol and a healthy 18.75 kmpl with the naturally aspirated engine. The figure falls slightly at 17.70 kmpl with CVT Automatic. This is a decent mileage considering the size of the sub-4m SUV. Maruti Suzuki is known for its great mileage with an impressive 21.21 kmpl.

That is a significant difference between the two and could be the deciding factor for someone looking for great mileage from the car.

Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Dimensions

Now, Swift being a regular hatchback is not as long, wide or high as the Magnite. That’s because Swift is designed as a city car which you can take on a highway. You can park the car in the city and drive around very conveniently. But Nissan Magnite is a compact SUV, which comes with practicality and utility. It has more space in the cabin as well as in the luggage compartment. With a ground clearance of 205mm, you can take this car off-roading as well. Seating high gives you a broad view outside and a commanding position. Larger dimensions do give the Magnite a certain road presence which some people prefer.

Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Exteriors

Nissan officially calls Magnite: Bold and beautiful and that is precisely what Magnite’s exteriors are. You just can’t miss the large chrome grille at the front, along with the sleek and stylish First-in-segment Bi-Projector LED Headlamps with LED turn indicators. The L-shaped LED DRLs with LED fog lamps also accentuate the edges of the bumper. The aggressive wheel arches and a 205 mm ground clearance gives it a rather sporty stance. The side profile really stands out, thanks to a chrome beltline running around the windows as well as a quarter-glass at the rear to provide a sense of roominess in the cabin. The wide-split tail lamps make it look wider than it actually is. All-in-all, bold design choice is what Nissan has gone for here and we are not complaining. It certainly looks sporty and bold, especially with those silver skid plates.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift also comes with Automatic LED Projector Headlamps, LED DRLs, LED Rear lamps and Precision Cut 15-inch Alloy Wheels. It has a broad hexagonal grille at the front which makes it look sporty and wide. The black A and C-pillars give it a modern look and are a big departure from the Swifts of the past.

So if you are someone who would drive your car primarily in the city, you should definitely go for the Swift. Its compact size and agility makes it a perfect city ride. If however, you want a car with a road presence and a bit of off-roading capabilities, Nissan Magnite is the one for you.

Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – Interiors, Features and Safety

Being the latest launch, Magnite is filled to the brim with all the techs and features. The interiors of the Magnite are certainly driver-oriented, with the centre console tilted 5 degrees towards the driver. There are 7-inch digital cluster and 8-inch digital instrument display with Wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Steering mounted controls and cruise control helps in enhancing accessibility and convenience. As optional features, one can upgrade to Wireless charging, JBL Audio System and Nissan Connected Car Tech. On the safety front, there is a 360-degree surround-view camera, Hill-start Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ABS and Dual-Airbags.

Maruti Suzuki Swift also comes loaded with a lot of modern features and tech. To start with, it offers a 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Navigation, Voice Command, Steering-mounted Controls and Bluetooth Connectivity. On the safety and conveniece front, it has ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Dual-front Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Reverse parking Camera with Sensors, Keyless Entry and Engine Start/Stop Button.

While the features and convenience list of the Swift is not as long as that of the Magnite, it still is decent considering the value you get for your money.

Which one to pick?

The key feature of both these cars is their value for money quotient. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you will definitely get a decent deal on both these cars. Having said that, if low maintenance costs and mileage are your concerns, we suggest you go for the Maruti Suzuki Swift. However, if you are looking for a more enthusiastic driving experience, a bit more features and practicality in terms of the usage of the car and spaciousness, the Nissan Magnite is the one for you.