Nissan is poised to strengthen its foothold in the Indian automotive market with the introduction of a new SUV. Currently offering only the Magnite in India, Nissan is preparing to expand its range with two new SUVs. One of these will be a C-segment SUV, built on the platform of the third-generation Renault Duster. Testing of this new mid-size SUV by the Japanese automaker has already commenced in India. The new Nissan SUV will be positioned to compete with established models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, and upcoming vehicles such as the Tata Sierra and Maruti’s new mid-size SUV. The launch is anticipated around mid-2026. The design is expected to include a distinctive badge on the grille, a bumper with C-shaped elements, and a prominent bonnet. Additional features will include plastic wheel arches, 5-spoke alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna, a spoiler, uniquely shaped taillights, and a flat tailgate. While interior details remain undisclosed at this time, it’s speculated that the cabin design and features will mirror those of the new Renault Duster. The new Nissan SUV will likely offer a range of powertrain options, encompassing petrol, CNG, and hybrid configurations. The base variants may be equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, while higher trims could feature either a 1.0-liter or a 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine. Reports suggest that the Renault Duster hybrid is scheduled to follow the ICE variant within 12 months, targeting an early 2026 launch. Nissan’s hybrid C-segment SUV is planned for a later release. The automaker is also evaluating a CNG variant for this C-segment SUV, potentially adopting a third-party or retrofitted CNG solution similar to the Nissan Kwid and Kiger.
