Nissan, a globally acclaimed car brand, has a rich history of offering practical family cars and iconic sports cars worldwide. However, in the Indian market, Nissan’s presence has been rather subdued compared to its Japanese counterparts. Despite nearly two decades of existence, Nissan India now stands as a one-product brand, with the Magnite compact SUV in its lineup. In this article, we revisit some forgotten Nissan models that once graced Indian showrooms.
- Nissan Teana: The Luxury Sedan
Nissan’s Teana was its maiden sedan offering in India, known for its opulent interior and refined engines. The second-generation Teana even featured a robust 2.5-liter V6 petrol engine, appealing to niche car enthusiasts who valued luxury and power. - Nissan X-Trail: The Premium Midsize SUV
The second-generation X-Trail SUV marked Nissan’s entry into the Indian market in 2004. It boasted luxury and sophistication in the premium midsize SUV segment. However, due to low sales and no suitable replacement, it was eventually discontinued. - Nissan 370Z: The Sports Coupe
Beyond the famed GT-R, Nissan introduced the 370Z two-door sports coupe in India in 2010. This iconic model, powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine, offered both manual and automatic transmissions, catering to sports car enthusiasts. - Nissan Evalia: The Spacious MPV
Known as the Nissan NV200 in the USA, the Evalia aimed to capture the Indian market with its practicality and roomy interiors. Unfortunately, its boxy design failed to resonate with Indian buyers, leading to its discontinuation. - Datsun Go, Go+, and redi-Go: The Budget Endeavor
Nissan introduced the budget brand Datsun in India in 2014, with the Go hatchback and Go+ three-row variant. These models struggled due to their below-average build quality. The redi-Go, launched in 2016, had initial success but eventually faced challenges. Nissan discontinued the Datsun brand and its products in 2022.
While Nissan’s global reputation precedes it, its journey in the Indian market has been marked by hits and misses. The forgotten models discussed here, from the Teana’s luxury to the Evalia’s practicality and the budget Datsun range, provide a glimpse into Nissan’s varied attempts to establish a significant presence in India. As we look back, we hope Nissan revitalizes its Indian operations and rekindles its legacy with new offerings.
