In a highly-anticipated move, Nissan is gearing up to introduce the X-Trail to the Indian market, taking on formidable rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster. After a year of promises and anticipation since its initial showcase in India, the brand is now confirming the launch of the X-Trail, signaling its intent to compete in the lucrative Indian SUV segment.
Nissan X-Trail’s Indian Debut
The upcoming Indian version of the Nissan X-Trail is set to be the fourth-generation model, which is currently available overseas in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. However, India will exclusively receive a seven-seater variant powered by a petrol engine. Based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-C platform, the X-Trail offers international buyers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.5-liter petrol engine. In India, the expectation is that it will adopt the 1.5-liter full-hybrid powertrain, integrating Nissan’s e-Power technology. This innovative system employs the 1.5-liter petrol engine as a generator for charging the batteries, without directly driving the wheels.
Power and Drivetrain Variations
Globally, the Nissan X-Trail full-hybrid is available with the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. The front-wheel-drive iteration delivers 204 bhp of power and 330 Nm of torque, while the all-wheel-drive variant boasts 213 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque. Currently, it remains unclear which of these configurations will make its debut in the Indian market.
Local Manufacturing Strategy
Nissan is actively considering local manufacturing options for the X-Trail in India, albeit in limited quantities. This strategic move aims to enable Nissan to offer competitive pricing in comparison to its well-established competitors like the Toyota Fortuner and Skoda Kodiaq. However, given the relatively niche volume of this segment, Nissan may also explore the option of importing the X-Trail via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route. Under existing regulations, automakers can import up to 2,500 units through the CBU route without requiring homologation, making it a viable choice for introducing the X-Trail to the Indian audience.
Nissan’s Pursuit of Presence in Premium SUV Segment
As it stands, Nissan’s product lineup in India comprises a solitary model—the Magnite sub-compact SUV. Soon, the brand plans to augment its offerings with the introduction of the AMT variant of the Kicks SUV. With the discontinuation of the Datsun brand and increased competition from newer SUVs in the market, the Kicks has experienced a shift in popularity. However, Nissan aims to carve a niche in the premium SUV segment, challenging the dominance of the Toyota Fortuner. In addition to rivaling the Fortuner, the new X-Trail will contend with formidable competitors such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Tucson, Citroen C5 Aircross, Jeep Meridian, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
