Nissan is set to expand its lineup in India with the introduction of the new X-Trail SUV, expected to arrive by June-July this year. This comes after the company has been maintaining a presence in the Indian market with just the Magnite compact SUV since the discontinuation of the Kicks in April 2023. The fourth-generation X-Trail, which has been available internationally since 2021, has been spotted testing in India and was showcased in the country in 2022, with Nissan promising a near-future launch.
The new X-Trail will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and sold in limited numbers under a government policy that allows up to 2,500 units per annum without the need for homologation. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, delivering 204hp and 305Nm of peak torque. While the SUV will come with a CVT gearbox, it remains uncertain whether it will feature two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter being more likely. Positioned as a petrol-only model, the X-Trail will directly compete with the Skoda Kodiaq, another seven-seater SUV available with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Nissan’s decision to introduce the X-Trail in petrol form is based on market research, with plans for additional models and different powertrains in the future. While the X-Trail will arrive in a non-hybrid form, the company is evaluating its mild-hybrid and hybrid variants, known as e-Power, which utilizes a petrol engine as a generator to power electric motors. Additionally, Nissan had showcased other SUVs like the Juke and Qashqai in 2022, both featuring hybrid technology, indicating potential future launches in India.
Though Nissan may not have a slew of new mass-market models planned for India, the facelifted Magnite and limited imports like the X-Trail could sustain interest in the brand. As the market awaits these new developments, it remains to be seen how Nissan’s strategy will unfold in the competitive Indian automotive landscape