Nissan’s stint in Indian market so far has been disappointing; the company forayed with premium products and later added mass segment vehicles in its portfolio. Even the mass products failed to generate volumes; hence it seems that the company is yet again considering bringing an entry level premium SUV in India. This segment has grown leaps and bounds over last few years; hence possibility of Nissan pondering a launch in this segment is quite high. If rumours are to be believed, Nissan could bring either Qashqai or X-Trail to India.
While X-Trail was introduced in India during the initial years of Nissan’s foray in India, but was recently removed from the company’s portfolio due to low sales. The new generation X-Trail has been launched in Indonesian market recently, the SUV is being offered in two engine options that include a 2.0 litre petrol motor engendering 144 PS at 6000 RPM along with 200 Nm torque at 4400 RPM. The engine is mated to a manual gearbox, a CVT is also available on this variant. The other motor is a 2.5 litre engine that is matched to a CVT, the engine offers a top power output of 171 PS at 6600 RPM and peak torque of 233.39 Nm at 4000 RPM.
On the other hand Qashqai will be a completely new product for India. Unveiled last year in London, the new generation Qashqai is offered in two engine and two diesel engine options. Petrol variants are powered by a 1.2 litre DIG-T petrol mill that is good for 115 PS and 190 Nm, the other engine offered in petrol range is the 1.6 litre DIG-T that generates 150 PS and 240 Nm. Diesel motors comprise of a 1.5 litre dCi unit, this is the same powertrain that is hosued in Duster, the other diesel unit offered on Qashqai is a 1.6 litre dCi that develops 130 PS. However there is yet no clarity on which SUV will be brought to India hence we have to wait for an official statement to confirm on further development on India launch plan.
