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Two of the latest crossovers to hit the Namibian motoring industry are the Nissan Magnite and the Toyota Urban Cruiser.
With loads of similar features and even more that differs, which will be a new Namibian favourite? Let's check out what each has to offer so you can decide!
Throughout the ranges, each Magnite and Urban Cruiser gets a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The top-end models also get climate control, six speakers, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
Controls on the steering wheel are for the standard cruise control and phone settings, and buttons on the doors will let you adjust every window and wing mirror with minimal effort. All trim levels receive fabric seats, along with keyless entry and push-button start.
The Magnite then takes a win, as it receives a digital 7-inch instrument cluster and an around-view-monitor, whereas the Urban Cruiser has a more traditional analogue layout and a reverse camera only. The Toyota does pull back with automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, as the Nissan makes do with manual LED lights and intermittent wipers.
Both then feature LED daytime running lights, a rear window wiper, a two-tone roof, and 16-inch alloy wheels that add some style.
Powering the Nissan Magnite is a 1-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces 74kW and 152Nm. When mated to a CVT transmission, this set-up achieves combined fuel consumption of 6.0l/100km, while top speed is rated at 168km/h.
At the front of the Toyota Urban Cruiser lies a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated motor that delivers 77kW and 138Nm. The top-end trim sports a 4-speed automatic transmission that achieves combined fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km, and the top speed comes in at 165km/h.
Practicality is also important in both crossovers, as the Nissan can carry up to 336kg of luggage with a ground clearance of 205mm – whereas the Toyota fits 328 litres of cargo and has a ground clearance of 198mm.
The Magnite also supports a 50kg load on the integrated roof rails, whereas those on the Urban Cruiser are there for decorative purposes – according to Toyota. The Nissan boasts a kerb weight of 1,039kg, with the Cruiser weighing in at 1,140kg.
As “mini SUV” weights go, these two are nowhere near heavy – meaning the front-wheel-drive configurations will not be lacking.
The shot-for-shot showdown continues in the driver assistance department, where both of these crossovers are fitted with ample safety systems.
Standard specifications include ABS, rear parking sensors, EBD, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX anchors. This completes the list for the Toyota, while the Nissan gets a few more abilities.
Across the range, the Magnite offers hill start assist, traction control, and hydraulic brake assist. This assures a 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating for Nissan.
The Urban Cruiser does not have its own safety rating, but the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the vehicle that the Urban Cruiser is based on, received a 4-star Global NCAP rating in 2018.
The entry-levelUrban Cruiser 1.5Xi MT starts from N$247 900 whereas the top of the range 1.5XR AT is priced from N$ 315 700.*
The Magnite 1.0T Acenta kicks off at N$256 999 and the luxury 1.0T Acenta Plus CVT is priced from N$ 305 700.*
*Prices from Pupkewitz Motors