Nissan has been keeping a toehold in India with just one model—the Magnite compact SUV—since April 2023, when the Kicks was discontinued. That’s about to change with the introduction of the new Nissan X-Trail. Nissan used to sell the SUV's first and second-generation models in India; it even showcased its third generation some years ago, but didn't bring it to the market.
- Nissan X-Trail to be sold in India in limited numbers
- Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol will likely produce 204hp and 305Nm
- Nissan ePower models under evaluation for a launch later
The fourth-gen X-Trail, which has been on sale in international markets since 2021, has been spied testing on Indian roads a few times. The Japanese brand had showcased this model in India in 2022 as well, stating that it will be launched in the country soon. Nissan's chief planning officer, Francois Bailly, has confirmed to Autocar India that the X-Trail will arrive by August, but with a petrol engine.
A dealer confirmed that the X-Trail will be brought in as a CBU, which means Nissan can import up to 2,500 units without the need for homologation. “It’s a special limited import for true petrol aficionados, especially for Nissan lovers,” they said.
Sources have claimed that based on their research and customer feedback, petrol specification is better for now. Moreover, the current government policy—specifically on taxation—is conducive for petrol engines, they said, adding that introducing a hybrid would increase taxes, and hence, the price.
Nissan X-Trail will not get hybrid in India
The 7-seater SUV will only be available with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, and not the hybrid version that was showcased in India in October 2022. This engine produces 204hp and 305Nm. While the availability of a CVT gearbox is confirmed, it isn't known if it’ll come with 2WD or AWD.
Nissan had also showcased the Juke and Qashqai SUVs at the same event in 2022, both of which come with some form of hybridisation and may still be under evaluation for our market.
Considering its size and petrol-only engine, the X-Trail will rival the Skoda Kodiaq, which is also a 7-seater that's only available with a 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and is priced at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Nissan is working on a facelift for the Magnite and CBU models like the X-Trail could help maintain consumers' interest in the brand.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
