Japanese automaker Nissan is preparing to make a significant splash in India's affordable car segment with its second model priced below the crucial 10 lakh rupee mark. Following the success of the Magnite, the company is now gearing up to introduce a new seven-seater MPV, expected to be named the Nissan Gravite.
Nissan Gravite: Launch Timeline and Market Positioning
The new Nissan Gravite MPV is slated for a grand unveiling in January 2026, with commercial sales commencing from March 2026. Positioned as a direct competitor and sibling to the popular Renault Triber, this move marks Nissan's strategic push to offer a compelling, value-for-money people mover in one of the market's most competitive price brackets.
Despite sharing its platform with the Triber, Nissan officials have emphasized that the Gravite will be a completely distinctive product. The brand aims to address specific customer feedback and carve its own identity, potentially making the Gravite a more attractive proposition than its French counterpart.
Key Differentiators: Transmission and Powertrain
Nissan plans to set the Gravite apart through two major strategic upgrades focused on drivetrain and transmission.
1. Strategic AMT and CVT Offerings
One of the first key differentiators could be in the transmission strategy. The Renault Triber currently offers its Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) only in the top-end variant. Nissan is considering making the AMT option available in a lower-spec trim of the Gravite, effectively bringing this convenience feature to a more affordable price point. This move could significantly broaden its appeal.
Furthermore, industry whispers suggest Nissan might go a step further by adding a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option as a premium offering. This would be a "cherry on the cake" move, providing smoother driving dynamics and potentially attracting a different set of buyers within the segment.
2. Addressing the Power Gap with a Turbocharged Engine
The second and potentially more exciting upgrade could lie under the hood. The Gravite will likely share the Triber's base engine: a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol unit producing 71 bhp and 96 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT. A dealer-level CNG kit will also be available.
However, to directly tackle a common complaint among Triber owners regarding lack of power, Nissan is strongly considering offering the Gravite with a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine. This is the same potent unit that powers the Magnite and would provide a substantial boost in performance, setting the Gravite apart as the more powerful choice in the segment.
Competitive Pricing and Market Impact
For the Gravite to truly succeed, Nissan will need to walk a tightrope on pricing. It must remain competitively priced against the Renault Triber while offering these additional features. If executed correctly, this combination of better value, enhanced features, and improved performance could make the Nissan Gravite a formidable player in the affordable MPV space upon its 2026 debut.
The launch of the Gravite is poised to be a pivotal moment for Nissan in India, expanding its portfolio and offering Indian families a fresh, feature-rich option in the budget-friendly seven-seater category.
