India’s midsize SUV segment is heating up, and Nissan is preparing to make a bold move. The Japanese automaker is gearing up to launch an all-new SUV built on the next-generation Renault Duster platform, and it’s aimed squarely at Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. This move is part of the Renault-Nissan alliance’s renewed commitment to India, and it signals Nissan’s serious intent to reclaim lost ground in the competitive SUV space.
Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far about Nissan’s upcoming Creta-rival SUV — from its platform and design to engine options, features, and launch timeline.
🔷 Based on CMF-B Platform: A Game Changer for Nissan
The upcoming Nissan SUV will be based on the CMF-B (Common Module Family – B) platform, the same architecture that will underpin the next-generation Renault Duster. This globally-proven platform is highly modular, making it suitable for multiple body styles and powertrain options, including hybrid and electric variants.
The CMF-B platform has already been successfully used in European and South American markets, and it offers key advantages:
- Better structural rigidity and safety
- Enhanced ride and handling dynamics
- Compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
- Roomier interiors and optimized packaging
By leveraging this advanced platform, Nissan can deliver a product that meets global quality standards while keeping costs competitive through local manufacturing.
🔷 Target: Hyundai Creta and Its Segment Rivals
The Hyundai Creta continues to dominate the midsize SUV space in India, but its rivals have grown stronger in recent years, especially with the arrival of Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Nissan’s new SUV is expected to directly rival these models with:
- A bold, muscular SUV design
- Feature-packed interiors
- Multiple engine options including turbo-petrol and hybrid variants
- Competitive pricing under ₹15-18 lakh
- Focus on safety and technology
This is a significant step up from the Nissan Kicks, which failed to leave a lasting mark despite its promising design and ride quality.
🔷 What Will It Look Like?
While no official images of the new Nissan SUV have been revealed yet, it is likely to take design inspiration from the latest Nissan SUVs sold globally, such as the X-Trail and Qashqai.
Expected exterior design highlights:
- Bold V-Motion front grille
- LED headlamps and DRLs with a split setup
- Strong, boxy shoulder lines and squared wheel arches
- 18-inch alloy wheels on higher variants
- Connected LED tail-lamps at the rear
- Raised ground clearance for an SUV stance
Expect a strong and aggressive road presence, much like its Renault sibling, the new Duster. Nissan might also offer some India-specific styling elements to appeal to local buyers.
🔷 Premium Cabin with Segment-Leading Features
Inside the cabin, Nissan is likely to go for a tech-rich, minimalistic interior with premium materials and a practical layout. The focus will be on providing comfort, space, and a high level of connectivity.
Expected interior features:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless charging
- Premium leatherette upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Connected car tech with voice commands and remote access
Nissan could also add some segment-first touches to outshine the Creta and Seltos in terms of features and value.
🔷 Engine Options: Turbo-Petrol and Strong-Hybrid Possibilities
Powertrain choices will be a key differentiator for Nissan’s new SUV. Given the CMF-B platform’s flexibility, the SUV could offer a mix of turbocharged petrol engines and hybrid tech.
Expected engine lineup:
- 1.0L Turbo-Petrol (as seen in Nissan Magnite) – likely for entry variants
- 1.3L Turbo-Petrol – mated to 6-speed MT and CVT gearbox
- 1.5L Hybrid (e-Power) – derived from Nissan’s global portfolio
- Diesel engine unlikely due to emission norms
The hybrid variant, if introduced, will directly compete with Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara, both of which are already gaining traction in the green vehicle segment.
🔷 Safety First: Expect ADAS and 5-Star Ratings
Nissan is likely to position this SUV as one of the safest in its class. With the CMF-B platform already supporting global safety standards, expect a 5-star GNCAP safety rating once tested.
Safety features may include:
- 6 airbags
- 360-degree camera with blind spot view
- ADAS features: Lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking
- TPMS, ESC, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors
- ADAS Level 2 features on higher trims
With safety becoming a top priority for Indian buyers, Nissan is expected to offer a tech-loaded package.
🔷 Launch Timeline in India
While Nissan has not officially announced a launch date, sources suggest that the new SUV will debut in India by early 2025, with testing already underway. The model will be heavily localized at the Renault-Nissan Chennai facility to ensure competitive pricing.
Expected timeline:
- Unveil: Late 2024
- Launch: Q1 or Q2 of 2025
- Price range: ₹11.5 lakh to ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Rivals: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq
✅ Final Thoughts: A Comeback SUV for Nissan?
Nissan’s upcoming Creta-rival could be a game-changer for the brand in India. Built on a modern global platform, offering a mix of performance, space, features, and possibly hybrid technology, the new SUV could revive Nissan’s fortunes in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
If Nissan gets the pricing and positioning right — something it nailed with the Magnite — this SUV could become a strong alternative for those looking for something fresh yet familiar.
Stay tuned for more updates as Nissan prepares to take on the titans of the SUV market!
