Nissan to Invest Rs 5,300 Crore to Boost Sales in India, to Launch Three New SUVs Soon
Nissan has announced its plans to introduce three new models in the Indian market, with the first product likely to be the X-Trail. However, no launch timelines have been specified.
By Kanika Sachdeva
At the unveiling of the two new versions of the Magnite – the EZ-Shift and the Kuro Edition, Nissan revealed its plans to make an investment of Rs 5,300 crore in the Indian market, aiming at increasing production and R&D activities, rolling out EVs, and switching to carbon-neutral manufacturing (by 2045). Additionally, Nissan also announced its intention to introduce three new models for our market, however, we do not have the launch timelines. While the Japanese manufacturer did not specify any model names, it did confirm that the two products out of the three would be positioned in the C and C+ SUV segments, whereas the third one would be a small electric car (could be the Nissan Leaf) to feature in the A-segment. The first one to roll out from the company's plant could be the X-Trail, which is towards the end of its testing cycle in India. Based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-C platform, the Nissan X-Trail will be placed in the C+SUV segment.
Also Read: Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift, Kuro Edition Unveiled in India Ahead of October 13 Launch
Nissan X-Trail: Powertrain and Other Details
Overseas, the fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail is offered in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. Under the hood, the X-Trail receives two engine options: a 1.5-litre hybrid turbo-petrol engine and a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol. Expect the model to make its India entry as a petrol-powered seven-seater SUV. A 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with e-Power technology is on the cards.
Besides, the SUV also gets both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems. The former cranks out 204bhp and 330Nm of torque, while the latter makes 213bhp and 500Nm. However, which of these two will find its way into the India-bound X-Trail remains to be seen. Upon launch, it will be Nissan's answer to the likes of the Jeep Meridian, the MG Gloster, the Skoda Kodiaq, and the Toyota Fortuner.
Nissan's India Portfolio
As of now, the Magnite sub-compact SUV is the only product that makes up the brand's India portfolio. To keep up with the competition, Nissan unveiled the Magnite EZ-Shift and the special Kuro Edition. The Magnite EZ-Shift gets an AMT transmission paired with a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, making it an affordable alternative to the turbo-petrol CVT. As for the special Kuro edition version, Nissan has given the Magnite the Black Edition treatment, both on the outside and inside.
At present, the Nissan Magnite ranges between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the AMT version to command a premium over the manual version. The prices of the EZ-Shift and the Kuro Edition will be announced on October 13, 2023.
Very soon, the brand will also introduce the AMT variant of the Kicks SUV in the domestic market to uplift its diminishing popularity. Meanwhile, Nissan pulled the plug on its small car brand, the Datsun, due to dwindling sales.
