India, April 23 -- It was 2020 and it was the final month of what was a Covid-ravaged year. The global automotive market was wading through uncharted waters and closer home, carmakers in India were keeping cards close to the chest as well. For Nissan, it was a battle of survival in the market here as its portfolio looked bare and barren. All hopes were pinned on a sub-compact SUV that was seen by many as a do-or-die offering. Over three years since its global debut in India in December of 2020, Nissan Magnite, however, has managed to not just survive but thrive.

Nissan put all its proverbial eggs into the boot of this one model. The bet has worked for most parts with the company recently informing that Magnite has now seen three consecut...