Automatic crossovers competing against the new Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift

What’s available
The competitors
Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen auto
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX auto
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL auto
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT auto
The most affordable automatic crossovers from other brands
Kia Sonet 1.5 LX auto
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR auto
Haval Jolion 1.5T Premium
Hyundai Venue 1.0T Motion auto

chery, haval, hyundai, nissan, nissan magnite, nissan magnite ez-shift, renault, suzuki, toyota, automatic crossovers competing against the new nissan magnite ez-shift

Nissan has lowered the cost of entry to the world of automatic crossovers thanks to its latest vehicle, the Magnite EZ-Shift.

The EZ-Shift refers to three new automated manual (AMT) units in the brand’s popular Magnite series, splitting the difference between the manuals and the more expensive CVT models.

Prices start at R243,900 and go up to R279,900, officially making the Nissan South Africa’s most affordable self-shifting SUV.

For this price, you get a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 53kW and 96Nm, which uses a five-speed AMT to drive the front wheels, netting a fuel consumption of 5.9l/100km in the process.

Included in the base Visia model are a Bluetooth stereo, push-start button, multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, electric folding mirrors, rear parking sensors, ABS, two airbags, and 16-inch steel rims with plastic covers.

The mid-range Acenta provides keyless entry, a reverse camera, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, LED daytime running lights, 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Getting the top-end Acenta Plus then takes this a step further with an all-round camera, and LED headlights.

What’s available

The Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift is clearly catering to an underserved segment as there are actually very few vehicles from different manufacturers that offer some form of automatic crossover at an affordable price.

There are only two other automatic SUVs on the market that can be bought for less than R300,000; these being the Renault Kiger and Suzuki Ignis, the former of which shares the same platform as the Magnite.

The Suzuki Fronx and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro both have autos that go for less than R315,000, but after this, the price jumps dramatically to R350,000 or more for the desired gearbox on other crossovers, due in part to the fact that many carmakers reserve an automatic for the higher-spec variants in their catalogue.

Click on the underlined prices below for more information.