Nissan is taking on the small-scale logistics market in South Africa with its new Magnite Move panel van, accessibly priced at a competitive R224,900. This redesign of its flagship Magnite is specifically tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs who require a spacious, reliable everyday vehicle for transporting goods but are still drawn to the bold, distinctive stylings of Nissan’s modern compact SUV.
“A growing number of South Africans are running micro-enterprises, side hustles, gig-work, and on-demand delivery services, often relying on passenger vehicles or motorcycles that are ill-suited for the task or unequipped for heavy loads,” says Maciej Klenkiewicz, Country Director for Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa (IMA).
“The Magnite Move is our answer to demand for hybrid short-haul transportation options that can excel in both urban centres and rural small towns, and navigate all road types with ease.”
To match these needs, Nissan has transformed its popular passenger vehicle into a comfortable yet durable workhorse for the commercial sector. Combining outstanding value, superior cargo space, and sporty features, the Magnite Move is uniquely designed to suit the requirements of couriers and small businesses with a seamless blend of practicality and style.
Attractively modern, business tough
The most obvious change from the standard Magnite is the absence of the passenger seats in the reimagined rear interior section, replaced instead by an enclosed cargo bay measuring approximately 1.3 metres deep and 1.16 metres wide. The result is a two-seater with an ample 690-litre capacity space capable of carrying a 250kg payload.
Reinforced honeycomb partitioning, a Hexa Grip plyboard layer, and opaque white-tinted rear windows with mesh grilles keep cargo securely out of sight and protected during transit. Additionally, with a substantial 205mm ground clearance and reinforced body structure, Magnite Move is built to smoothly handle challenging road conditions such as potholes and uneven surfaces, ensuring the safe transportation of even fragile goods.
Despite these modifications, the Magnite Move retains the striking silhouette and bold design cues of the standard Magnite range, down to the prominent chrome front grille and 3D honeycomb taillights.
It also comes generously equipped with a range of standard features, including auto air-conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, and a full-size spare wheel.
Power and efficiency under the hood
Minimising the impact of fuel costs on bottom lines, the Magnite Move’s highly efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine is a practical choice for delivery drivers who log significant mileage and time spent in heavy traffic.
Complemented by a five-speed manual transmission, the three-cylinder, 999cc, 1.0-litre HRAO petrol engine delivers a respectable 53kW of power and 96Nm of torque, and achieves an impressive average fuel consumption of only 5.9L/100km.
Safety is also a priority, with dual airbags and advanced braking systems (ABS, EBD) designed to safeguard both drivers and cargo from the unexpected while travelling South Africa’s roads.
Magnite’s Move into new global markets
The Magnite Move presents a strong and even more affordable alternative to the famed Nissan NP200 in the light-commercial vehicle segment, filling an important market gap after the discontinuation of the half-tonne bakkie last year.
In addition to acting as a key growth driver in the local market, the Magnite forms a critical piece of Nissan’s ambitious global plans, especially in Africa. Since 2020, the Magnite has sold over 150,000 units worldwide, and Nissan plans to more than double the vehicle’s international market reach through the introduction of left-hand drive models.
The rollout of the Magnite Move marks an important milestone in its expansion strategy, and Nissan is confident that the vehicle will replicate its global success as new markets experience its standout benefits and convenience.
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