Nissan Motor India is preparing to expand its portfolio in the Indian automotive market with the introduction of two new models during the financial year 2026 (FY26), covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026. More recently, the Japanese automaker has announced plans for a mid-size SUV aimed against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and a seven-seat MPV based on the Renault Triber. These announcements were made in the backdrop of Nissan’s Global Product Showcase event in Yokohama, Japan, which indicates that the company is trying to be relevant in the Indian market and regain a foothold in a space that complements some of its competitors.
A Mid-Size SUV to Tackle the Hyundai Creta
Their first of the two new offerings is a five-member mid-size SUV that will compete against popular models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate. This segment has undoubtedly seen a lot of action over the years, and the Creta has continued to lead the pack for quite some time, thanks to its combination of style, features and reliability. Nissan’s new SUV is designed to challenge such dominance, offering a strong alternative. No vehicle details have been published, although Nissan has explained it will share some design elements with the new Nissan Patrol, a larger SUV popular in markets such as the Middle East and North America. The Patrol’s transition to the bold, rugged look it has today could be translated into some sizable differentiation for an Indian version, allowing it to stand out in a class full of conservative designs.
Following its MPV sibling, expect the mid-size SUV to debut in early 2026, most likely in April to June. Production of the new model will take place at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which has been a hub for production that serves markets, including domestic sales and exports. This factory, which is co-shared, emphasizes the strong bond shared between Nissan and Renault, a partnership that has seen great success with models such as the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger. This coalition is intended to keep production costs low and, therefore, the price, with respect to competitors, which is especially important in a price-sensitive market like the Indian market.
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A Renault Triber-Based MPV For The Masses
Nissan’s second model in its FY26 lineup was a seven-seater MPV based on the Renault Triber, a small or multi-purpose vehicle that has become popular in India due to its low MSRP and versatility. While the mid-size SUV is focused on the premium compact SUV space, this MPV aims to target buyers looking for a budget family mobility option. The Triber-based MPV will be the first of the two new models to enter the market, with Nissan confirming that it will launch by December 2025.
The Nissan MPV will borrow its underpinnings from the Triber, but a unique identity will be retained, according to Nissan. Teaser images shown at the Yokohama event showcase a fresh front fascia with a large grille, narrow headlamps, and a more aggressive bumper—details that help set it apart from the Renault counterpart. The modular seven-seat layout on the Triber, which has been a highlight of its offering of flexibility for passengers and luggage, is expected to be retained. But Nissan might promote the interior with its upholstery, new options, and better material quality to target a slightly different clientele.
As with its Renault counterpart, the Triber-based MPV will likely be powered by the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 72 hp and 96 Nm of torque. In terms of transmission option, a five-speed manual will come as standard, alongside an option for a five-speed automated manual transmission AMT, to entice both traditionalist buyers and those who want convenience. This engine may be a little on the slower side, but the economy and the low cost of maintenance make it a good option in the price-conscious MPV space here, which will compete in with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion.
Nissan’s Larger India Strategy
By FY26, it’ll have four models in India: the current Nissan Magnite, Nissan X-Trail alongside the new mid-size SUV, and the Triber-based MPV. The Magnite, a subcompact SUV from the Japanese automaker, has been a silver lining for the automaker in India since its launch in 2020, boasting an affordable yet loaded option in the crowded sub-4-meter SUV segment. The Nissan X-Trail sits in a niche as a premium seven-seater SUV, aimed at an audience that will pay for a more upscale experience. With the mid-size SUV and MPV joining the lineup, Nissan is now better poised to target the burgeoning SUV segment as well as the practical MPV segment, filling in some significant holes.
Nissan has ambitious plans for further expanding its lineup in India beyond FY26. It certainly has teased the arrival of a more affordable electric vehicle (EV) along with a seven-seat SUV, although dates for those models remain unclear. The EV push fits with India’s increasing focus on sustainable mobility, propelled by government incentives and growing consumer awareness. Competing products include Tata Motors, Nexon EV, Curvv. ev, Hyundai Creta Electric, and so on are in plans as well. If Nissan could deliver a combination of range, features, and pricing in its product offering in India, it could ensure the Japanese carmaker remains relevant in this growing consumer market.
The seven-seat SUV, on the other hand, is expected to be a variant of the mid-size SUV, or a completely new model based on the Renault Duster platform. This car will compete against three-row SUVs such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar for bigger families and buyers who want greater road presence. If it got Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2 and a system with modern infotainment features, like an a panoramic sunroof, they could find room in a segment that is becoming ever more competitive.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nissan’s newfound focus on India comes at a crucial juncture. However, the brand has struggled to hold onto a strong position in the country, with its market share falling well short of heavyweights like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors. Such has also been the case with models like the Sunny sedan being discontinued, and there not being a steady stream of new launches to keep the ball rolling forward. Magnite’s success proves that when Nissan gets the product and the price right, its offering resonates with Indian buyers.
The mid-size SUV segment is highly competitive in India, with segment leaders often selling over 15,000 units a month, and the Hyundai Creta leading with the most sales in the segment. Nissan will have to swing a combination of bold design, cutting-edge tech, and aggressive pricing in order to make a dent. A turbocharged petrol engine, hybrid options, and even a diesel variant — still far favoured in this category — can only help it in the race. The Triber-based MPV is also being pitched against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which has regularly been the highest-selling MPV in the country. It will need to shake things up for the segment by providing class-leading comfort, safety features like six airbags, and a sophisticated driving experience.
Conclusion
The new squad includes an Hyundai Creta-rival SUV & a Renault Triber-based MPV. Since these models will be manufactured at the Chennai facility, they will enjoy economies of scale and localized manufacturing, which means Nissan could price them competitively. Launching the MPV by late 2025 and the SUV in early 2026 is an exciting start to the brand, but the plan for more EVs and a seven-seater SUV hints at a longer-term intent.
For Indian consumers, this translates to a wider variety of vehicles in two of the country’s most popular segments. It remains to be seen whether Nissan can take its global know-how and replicate it on products that spark local interest, but the incoming line-up provides a great chance for the rebirth. With FY26 on the horizon, the time is now for Nissan to claim a spot at the table with India’s automotive heavyweights.
Source: India Today
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