By Nissan is set to expand its presence in India with the launch of the new X-Trail, expected to arrive by June-July this year. Currently, Nissan’s Indian portfolio is limited to the Magnite compact SUV, following the discontinuation of the Kicks in April 2023. The X-Trail, previously sold in its first and second-generation iterations in India, will make a comeback in its fourth-generation form, which has been available internationally since 2021. The new X-Trail has been spotted undergoing testing on Indian roads several times, and it was showcased in India back in 2022.
The latest reports reveal that the SUV will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) in limited numbers under the government policy allowing up to 2,500 units per annum without homologation. It will be available exclusively with a petrol engine, specifically a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 204hp and 305Nm of peak torque in international markets. A CVT gearbox will be standard, but it remains uncertain whether the model will feature 2WD or AWD, with the latter being more likely.
According to a dealer, Nissan is going to bring the petrol engine configuration to India as the buyers in this segment prefer it according to the market research done by the Japanese manufacturer. “It’s a special limited import for true petrol aficionados – especially for Nissan lovers,” the dealer commented. This move positions the X-Trail as a direct competitor to the Skoda Kodiaq, another seven-seater SUV with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Nissan’s strategy may include more models and varied powertrains in the future.
The X-Trail is available globally in mild-hybrid and hybrid configurations, with the hybrid version featuring Nissan’s e-Power technology. This system uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to power electric motors that drive the wheels. The Juke and Qashqai SUVs also showcased in India in 2022, could be potential future additions to the lineup, offering hybrid options. While Nissan continues to work on a facelift for the Magnite, the introduction of CBU models like the X-Trail aims to sustain interest in the brand. The success of this strategy and the potential introduction of more models will determine Nissan’s future trajectory in the Indian market.
