The lower-spec versions of the Nissan Magnite and Maruti Fronx are natural rivals, as both these sub-four-metre SUVs come with a naturally aspirated engine option, along with an automated manual transmission (AMT) option. We see which budget Japanese compact SUV offers more performance with our exhaustive and accurate acceleration and braking tests.
Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Fronx AMT price and specifications
Fronx AMT has more power and weighs less than the Magnite
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Magnite | Fronx | |
| Engine | 999cc, 3-cyl, petrol | 1197cc, 4 cyl, petrol |
| Power (hp) | 72 | 90 |
| Torque (Nm) | 96 | 113 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1019 | 975 |
| Power-to-weight (hp/tonne) | 70.66 | 92.31 |
| Torque-to-weight (Nm/tonne) | 94.21 | 115.90 |
| Price range (Rs, lakh) | 6.75-9.82 | 8.95-9.35 |
On paper, the Fronx AMT has a clear advantage as it has a 198cc larger capacity engine, 18hp and 17Nm more output, and weighs 44kg less than the Magnite AMT. The difference in engine performance and weight means that the Maruti compact SUV has far better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios, suggesting it will be quicker than the Nissan. It should be noted that Magnite AMT prices start far lower than the Fronx, though the top-spec, AMT-equipped Nissan compact SUV is priced higher than the Maruti.
Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Fronx AMT 0-100kph acceleration test
Fronx AMT sprints to 100kph 7 seconds quicker than the Magnite AMT
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT 0-100kph acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Magnite | Fronx |
| 20 | 1.36 | 1.42 |
| 40 | 5.20 | 2.96 |
| 60 | 8.73 | 6.10 |
| 80 | 12.60 | 8.68 |
| 100 | 20.71 | 13.70 |
In our 0-100kph acceleration tests, the Magnite AMT has a lead until the 20kph mark, but then steadily falls behind the Fronx AMT. At 60kph, the time difference is a significant 2.63 seconds, and the Fronx’s lead increases to a massive 7.01 seconds by the time both cross the 100kph mark.
Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Fronx AMT rolling acceleration test
Fronx AMT is also significantly quicker than the Magnite AMT in kickdown
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT rolling acceleration (seconds) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Speed (kph) | Magnite | Fronx |
| 20-80 (in kickdown) | 10.65 | 7.45 |
| 40-100 (in kickdown) | 16.55 | 10.40 |
In the 20-80kph and 40-100kph rolling acceleration tests, the Fronx AMT is over 3 seconds and 6 seconds quicker, respectively, than the Magnite AMT. The Nissan’s AMT unit is significantly slower to shift, and the 72hp engine’s lack of punch is evident. It should be noted that both compact SUVs’ AMT units get a manual mode.
Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Fronx AMT braking tests
Magnite out-brakes the Fronx
| Nissan Magnite AMT vs Maruti Fronx AMT braking test results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Magnite | Fronx | |
| 80-0kph distance (m) | 31.75 | 32.18 |
| 80-kph time (seconds) | 2.69 | 4.13 |
Both these Japanese compact SUVs some with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. While the Magnite comes to a halt from 80kph 1.44 seconds quicker than the Fronx, the Maruti is just 0.43 metres behind in terms of stopping distance.
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