Nissan has brought two of its global models in India – the X-Trail and the Qashqai – to study the feasibility of the same launching in India.

Testing for these two SUVs has commenced, while the Japanese carmaker also plans to showcase the Juke for the Indian market. A variety of tests will be conducted across different road and terrain conditions. Top engineers from Nissan will accompany the cars, and trials will commence this month on roads surrounding Nissan’s Chennai plant. The Nissan X-Trail will be the first SUV to be launched post testing, followed by other models.

India is an important market for Nissan. These vehicle testing assessments will be part of a comprehensive study that the Japanese carmaker is undertaking for its future in the country. The areas of study also include localised production as well as local and export manufacturing. In the long term, Nissan is exploring the potential of electrification.

Nissan X-Trail Details

• Featuring a unique e-Power powertrain, the X-Trail gets a 3-cylinder variable compression ratio turbocharged petrol engine that is used to generate electricity. Electric motors send power to the wheels, and both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options are available to customers. The engine can run optimally at all times leading to improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. A 1.5-litre engine will also be offered in select variants.
• The X-Trail will be offered in 5 and 7-seat configurations.
• The e-Power engine is rated at 201 BHP in the 2WD version with a peak torque of 330 Nm. In the 4WD variants, the power is bumped up to 210.5 BHP, with the rear motor generating an additional 195 Nm of torque over and above the 330 Nm from the front motor.
• The 7-seater 4WD variant has a 0-100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds.
• The 1.5L engine is rated at 161 BHP and 300 Nm of maximum torque. It has a 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds.

Nissan Qashqai Details

• Like the X-trail, the Qashqai will be offered in 2 powertrain options. These include the 1.3-litre, 12V mild hybrid petrol option and the e-Power system.
• In Qashqai, the e-Power engine will generate a max power of 188 BHP with a peak torque of 330 Nm. The petrol engine has a peak torque of 250 Nm.
• The 0-100 km/h time is said to be 7.9 seconds.

Also Read – Nissan’s new SUV for India spotted, debuts next week