Nissan Lined Up On New Subcompact SUV for India

Nissan India is developing a new Indian model sub-4-meter Crossover, which will be unveiled in the first half of 2020 later this year. Nissan claims that a latest subcompact will be based on a-new platform, and while the firm has refrained from further speculation on anything, we suspect it could be the updated CMF-A architecture underpinning the Renault Triber. While the carmaker has the Kicks and the Terrano in the compact SUV space, it would have been unwise not to tap into the much more popular subcompact SUV space, which includes some of India's top-selling models such as-Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon.

Although information about the forthcoming Nissan subcompact SUV are scarce, it is likely to look like a baby Kicks based on the company's teaser image. We see the same floating-style roof with silver bars on the wall. Like the Nissan Kicks, with a wide C-pillar, and possibly a rear spoiler, the new B-SUV is also likely to come in with a triangular quarter glass at the back. We also see a hint of arches on the flared wheel, with possible wheel arching and side body cladding. Overall, the new SUV with prominent character lines is likely to come in with compact proportions. Commenting on some of the other dimensions of the vehicle including the interior is too early.

Later at the 2016 Auto Expo, Datsun had unveiled a compact crossover model, the GO-Cross, intended to become the next successor to Vitara Brezza. We have never seen the SUV's production version, however. Now, with Nissan lining up to launch a subcompact SUV, we believe the company has penetrated this extremely competitive environment with severity. Commenting on powertrain choices is too early, but we wouldn't be disappointed if Nissan borrowed Renault's 1.0-liter Energy petrol engine, which is already duty-bound on the Triber, or could put an all-new engine in.