Nissan X-Trail officially confirmed for India launch, to be imported via CBU route
Nissan is set to rejuvenate its presence in India with the forthcoming launch of the fourth generation X-Trail, which will be brought in as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) in limited numbers. This marks a significant move for the Japanese automaker, which has seen a period of relative quiet following the discontinuation of the Kicks in April 2023. Currently, Nissan’s Indian lineup consists solely of the Magnite.
The Nissan X-Trail will make its return after previous generations were available in the market. The fourth-generation model, which has been sold internationally since 2021, is now ready for its Indian debut following extensive testing. The new X-Trail is built on the Renault-Nissan CMF-C platform and will be available with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine in India, producing 204 HP and 305 Nm of torque. While a CVT gearbox is confirmed, details regarding the availability of 2WD or AWD remain undisclosed.
The X-Trail will compete in the premium SUV segment against models such as the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and the likes. Out of these, the Kodiaq is also imported as a CBU, while the Tucson and Tiguan are assembled from CKD kits. This places the expected price of the X-Trail between Rs. 30-35 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Bringing the X-Trail as a CBU allows Nissan to bypass the need for homologation, permitting the import of up to 2500 units. This strategy provides a niche offering to maintain consumer interest until Nissan’s broader product lineup expansion planned for 2025. This expansion includes the new gen Duster based SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta and a 7-seater derivative of the same platform. Additionally, a facelift for the Magnite is anticipated later this year.
Informed by customer feedback and current government policies that do not favor hybrids, Nissan has opted to offer the X-Trail in India with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This decision aligns with market demands and regulatory conditions, despite the availability of hybrid options in international markets.
While the X-Trail serves as a stopgap solution to keep the brand relevant, Nissan had also showcased other models like the Juke and Qashqai in 2022, which are still under evaluation for the Indian market. These introductions aim to sustain interest and anticipation as Nissan prepares for a more aggressive product rollout in the near future.
