Nissan is currently a brand in India, which itself does not know what to do in the Indian Market. For almost more than three years, Nissan has been selling just one car in India, and it is the Nissan Magnite. About two years ago, Nissan showcased a total of three SUVs in India, they also mentioned that all of these three SUVs will be launched soon in India. The SUVs were - The Nissan X Trail, Nissan Qashqai, and Nissan Juke. 

Which of these SUVs Launched?

For over two years, Nissan has been quiet regarding the launch of any of these three SUVs. But, today, we are going to talk about the Nissan X Trail, as it has been offered for its Media Drive by Nissan to all the Auto experts in India. Still, even after this Media Drive, there is a major catch in the X Trail, which will be launched on August 1, 2024, in India. 

Back then, when Nissan showcased the three SUVs - X Trail, Qashqai, and Juke. Nissan officially confirmed that the X Trail will be launched in the coming year, which was 2023. Moreover, it will be launched through the CKD unit and will also have 5 & 7 seating options. 

The Problem 

Now, the catch is that the X Trail which was showcased two years ago was the latest version of its lineage. With all the upcoming 2024-based Feature and Design updates. In fact, Nissan even showcased the interiors back then, which clearly had all the new or upcoming technological perks, like a bigger 12.8 inch Infotainment system, ADAS, etc. 

But, the X Trail which is to be launched in India on August 1, has almost none of the mentioned features. Like, it gets a smaller 8 inch unit for the Infotainment system, the ADAS is not offered in the upcoming Indian X Trail, etc. Most importantly, Nissan first stated that the X Trail would be a CKD unit but, now, the X Trail will be sold as a CBU unit in India. Thus, the Price of the X Trail will easily cross the threshold from where it cannot be taken as a value for money SUV. 

Why is Nissan doing this?

Now, what made Nissan sell a Pre-facelift model of the X Trail in India? Well, Nissan stated that since they showcased the X Trail with Qashqai and Juke, they have been testing it in India thoroughly. In fact, we even received a few spy shots of the X Trail during its testing but, all of those spy shots were recently circulated, and none were there right after the SUV was showcased. 

So, Nissan already being on a seesaw in the Indian market, where for the past four years, the brand has been selling just one car - the Nissan Magnite, which was also made in collaboration with Renault. Due to this, Nissan was already on the verge of exiting the Indian market, and moreover, having no capital to manufacture the X Trail here in India - This led Nissan rather have an easier way of selling the X Trail in India by bringing in the Pre-facelift’s unsold models from the other Right hand Drive markets. 

This makes the brand invest a very minimum amount of money for launching the SUV here in India, as the Government passes allowances to car brands for selling 2500 units of any car without filing a trademark in the market. Because of this, Nissan can now sell the X Trail in India with no issues. 

Secondly, this could also be one of the reasons why Nissan is doing this - As said, for the past couple of years, Nissan has been selling just one car in India, which makes Nissan’s Indian portfolio worse, as it has only one car on sale. So, just for the sake of having a better portfolio, Nissan could have launched the Pre-facelift model of the X Trail here in India. 

What could be Nissan’s Future Plans with the X Trail?

After all this, we still try to believe positively that Nissan could be serious about the Indian market. And just for the sake of relaunching its first-ever car in India, Nissan could have played this game. Further, if this plan works for Nissan, then, we could see the brand becoming more serious regarding the X Trail. How do you ask?

Well, if this works, we might even see Nissan starting to manufacture the X Trail SUV here in India, which first, will bring down the prices, and second, will also make Nissan launch the latest version of the X Trail in India. 

About the X Trail to be launched in India

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The X Trail which will be launched in India on August 1, will get the 1.5 VC Turbo Petrol Engine, which produces 163 hp and 300 Nm Torque. This engine is also connected to a 12V Battery that helps the engine to boost its mileage to an extent. This engine powers only the front wheels, and this engine is also mated to a CVT Gearbox. 

The upcoming X Trail will also get an 8 inch Infotainment system and a 12.3 inch Instrument Cluster. It also gets Autmated Climate Control, a Button for Driving modes, all four Power windows, a Panoramic sunroof, 20 inch Alloy wheels, 7 Seats, Fabric seats with manual adjustment, Rear AC vents, an Electronic Parking Brake, etc. 

The Price of the X Trail has not been announced yet, it will be announced on the day of launch which is August 1, 2024. The Price will most probably be more than its rivals - Jeep Meridian, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, etc. It might get into Fortuner’s segment in terms of price. 

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