Nissan to launch Duster's twin brother this Diwali

Nissan Motor India Private Limited (NMIPL), a completely owned subsidiary of Japanese multinational automotive giant Nissan Motor Co., is working towards introducing its badge engineered Renault Duster model (codenamed NH-79) in the domestic market. Industry sources suggest that the Nissan compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) might see Indian daylight somewhere around this year's Diwali festivities in October – November months.

The upcoming Nissan NH-79 'Duster' twin is anticipated to come with minor cosmetic modifications on the exteriors, as compared to the original Renault Duster model. The badge engineering concept is not new to Nissan Motor India, as it has introduced two other models sharing same platforms, which were jointly developed in association with its global alliance partner- Renault. At present, Indian arms of Nissan and Renault offer two badge engineered siblings, namely Micra and Pulse premium hatchbacks, along with Sunny and Scala sedans.

Coming to under-the-hood specifications of yet-to-be launched Nissan NH-30, the compact SUV is believed to be introduced in both petrol and diesel powered options on Indian turf. The petrol variant is anticipated to come fitted with a 1.6 litre, 1,598 cc, engine that belts out a maximum power output around 100 bhp, along with a peak torque close to 150 Nm. Further, the diesel variant of Nissan NH-79 compact SUV is expected to incorporate the much fawned upon 1.5 litre SOHC Renault K9K dCi power-mill, which churns out peak power outputs close to 85 bhp and 110 bhp.

At present, Renault Duster is the undisputed champion of compact SUV segment of the Indian auto market. Hence, Nissan Motor India will be looking to capitalise on the prevalent market fervour towards Duster among domestic audience, by introducing its NH-79 model in the country. Like all badge engineered Nissan - Renault products, the yet-to-be launched compact SUV is expected to come with a price tag slightly below that of Duster. Upon its arrival on domestic turf around Diwali, Nissan NH-79 compact SUV will be pitched against its twin brother Renault Duster, Mahindra Quanto, Premier Rio and Ford EcoSport, which is awaiting its Indian launch at the moment.