The new Nissan C-segment SUV has been spied testing for the first time on Indian roads. Nissan’s upcoming rival to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and the new Maruti SUV is scheduled to go on sale by mid-2026, following its badge-engineered sibling, the Renault Duster, to the market.
- New Nissan SUV spied wearing heavy camouflage
- Design details resemble 2024 teaser previews
- Interior and powertrain to be shared with Renault Duster
New Nissan SUV exterior spied
Camouflaged Nissan SUV has similar design cues to the teasers shared last year
A few details can be gleaned from the spy shots of the heavily camouflaged Nissan SUV. The front spy shot shows the upright SUV features flared plastic wheel arches, 5-spoke alloy wheels, a sculpted bonnet, a prominent grille with a central Nissan badge and C-shaped elements in the bumper. From the rear, one can see a spoiler, roof rail, a shark fin antenna, a sculpted tailgate with the number plate housing sitting dead centre, and rectangular tail-lights. Overall, the SUV’s design closely matches the teasers Nissan has been sending out since last year.
New Nissan SUV interior and expected features
Interior likely to be similar to the India-bound Renault Duster
Not much is known about the new Nissan SUV’s interior, but the Creta rival is expected to share the overall layout, features list and safety kit with the upcoming Renault Duster. The spy images do not show much about the features or safety kit, but the absence of an ADAS suite is noticeable.
A 7-seat version of the SUV will join the Nissan line-up, and it’ll be based on the Renault Bigster that has been revealed for international markets. However, Nissan India MD Saurabh Vatsa had told Autocar India that the 7-seat version of its midsize SUV (due in 2027) wouldn’t just be “a plus-2 configuration, but a very different vehicle, engineered to be a proper 7-seater.”
New Nissan SUV powertrain options
Petrol, CNG and hybrid powertrain options likely
The upcoming Renault and Nissan midsize SUVs are expected to share their powertrain options. Both SUVs will be petrol-powered initially, though which engine will be offered is yet unknown. We expect the Duster hybrid to arrive within a year of the petrol SUV’s launch, though there's no word on if and when Nissan’s SUV will get the petrol-electric powertrain. A CNG-powered version of Nissan’s SUV is also expected, though the installation will be handled through non-factory partnerships.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
