Nissan's Creta Rival: Bet For Survival or Comeback Hero?

The Japanese have always been the sedate ones in the Indian market. Honda, Suzuki, and even Nissan. Avoiding unnecessary risks and playing it safe is their usual style. But, what is unusual here is that Nissan global has announced two new products for India - A compact SUV (Hyundai Creta rival) and a Renault Triber-based MPV. With these two cars, the Japanese automaker will be extending its lineup in India from two to four vehicles, thereby strengthening its presence. These mass-market cars will also look to attract a wider customer base and provide more options beyond the usual offerings. 

In this report, we will be discussing the impact and significance of these two models for Nissan’s survival and a possible comeback in India. Furthermore, we take you through the steps the brand could take to move into the right direction, and what Nissan’s future could look like: 

First…

A Look At What The Upcoming Models Bring To The Table! 

The compact SUV space is arguably the most important segment in India, and sees plenty of sales in both rural and urban markets. The segment has been dominated by the Hyundai Creta for years now, and already has many players fighting for the throne. However, a segment can always benefit from more alternatives! Nissan’s upcoming compact SUV could offer buyers something unique and different from the regular options. The Creta rival will be introduced in India by 2026. 

It will be based on the upcoming Renault Duster and take design cues from the popular Nissan Patrol, an SUV which needs no introduction! One can expect it to share powertrains and features with the Duster, which is set to arrive in 2026. To know more about the same, tap here. 

The second product is a Triber-based 7-seater MPV which will cater to the larger families, providing a more affordable alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It will be launched this year, possibly after the launch of the Triber facelift. To differentiate from the Triber, it will get a different design and a slightly tweaked interior. Features list and powertrain options are expected to be similar to the Triber facelift, which is due for launch this year. We know that Nissan’s products are slightly superior to Renault’s cars in terms of equipment while also being marginally pricier. This means that there is a possibility for Nissan to offer a better package than the Triber. 

Also read: Renault Triber facelift spied in India for the very first time! 

Affordability: A Recipe To Success? 

Nissan is a brand with years of global experience, with the capability to dominate a segment. However, to do that in the compact SUV in India is a challenging task. The segment is already full of SUVs that offer a lot in terms of equipment, as well as in the powertrain department, and it won’t be an easy task to compete with the stalwarts. 

The likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara have already set a very high benchmark, and the chances of surpassing those standards seem slim. This means that the Nissan SUV will have to differentiate itself strategically, focusing on affordability and value-for-money.

If Nissan can undercut the rivals by a fair margin, while offering better value for money and without compromising on equipment, then it might end up appealing to a larger audience and consumers might be interested. 

However, a brand should not rule out fighting against the segment leader with an equal or a better package! 

⁠India: An Export Hub? 

Nissan has been locally manufacturing in India not only with the aim to sell its products in India, but overseas as well. The Magnite facelift, which was launched last year in India has already been a key SUV for the automaker in some International markets. The Japanese marque has exported the SUV to South African markets, as well as the Middle East. Nissan had also revealed that the made-in-India Magnite will be exported to over 65 foreign countries including left-hand drive markets as well. 

We expect Nissan to take the same approach with its upcoming SUV and MPV as well. The exports play a crucial role in generating income for the brand, and with that, we can expect Nissan to invest more in India and also for India! 

With India as an export hub, there will be a focus on making these made-in-India models superior in technology and engineering! 

Also read: Nissan Magnite Debuts In Middle East With Left-Hand Drive Models For Saudi Arabia

Nissan X-Trail: A Forgetful Comeback 

Nissan launched the X-Trail in India last year, but by now most of us have already forgotten that the full-size SUV exists in India. Its poor sales show that Indian buyers are aware of what they want and won't settle for a half-hearted attempt.

Launched in our market at around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom), the X-Trail in its fourth-generation avatar was on sale in global markets from 2020 and felt like an outdated model with no X-factor as such. Nissan needed a value-for-money SUV, but instead introduced something that missed out on features, lacked a competitive engine option, and came with a hefty price tag! 

While we do understand brands introducing their globally-acknowledged products on our shores, they should introduce them with full bells and whistles, and not something which feels outdated or under-equipped. The key takeaway from the X-Trail failure would be to understand that the Indian buyer won’t reciprocate and react well to a substandard product, and the consumer demands top-notch quality. 

If you are interested in knowing what went wrong with the X-Trail in-depth, you should check out this story. 

USPs Matter 

USP or a unique selling proposition is something that we might have learned in our marketing lectures during college. However, it is a necessary term that applies to any product and in this case, cars! To stand out among the herd, a car needs to set itself apart from its competitors and offer something that might attract a new wave of buyers! Let’s understand the same with examples:

• Tata Curvv: Offers a coupe body style in a segment which features conventionally designed SUVs. 
• MG Windsor EV: Most spacious rear seat in the segment, with a unique BaaS pricing strategy! 
• Kia Syros: Premium features in the compact SUV space, along with offering the most comfortable rear seat in the segment. 

Similarly, Nissan could look to provide something unique with their upcoming Creta rival. Possibly, a massage function for the seats? A high-end feature like auto-park? Or a unique powertrain… 

Well, it could be anything! What unique element would you want the upcoming Nissan cars to have? Let us know in the comments section!

How Could The 7-seater MPV Improve On The Triber Recipe?

The Renault Triber does about 1,500 sales in a month, which honestly is not bad considering the alternatives that you get at the price point. However, the numbers are also not great considering that it does not have any direct rivals. With the Triber-based MPV, Nissan would look to offer something more appealing for the buyer who is looking for a family-mover at an affordable price. 

For starters, the Nissan MPV could carry a more stylish design with more elements. Additionally, it could benefit from new features that would bring in the consumers who are seeking a well-equipped MPV. The Triber’s greatest weakness has been its underpowered petrol engine, and introducing the turbo-petrol unit of the Magnite would do good and make the upcoming Nissan MPV offer enough performance. 

Better Marketing 

The correct marketing strategies and brand perception plays a key role in boosting the product and creating awareness of its strengths. We have seen popular carmakers like Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata and Maruti Suzuki invest heavily in marketing and come up with plenty of ways to keep their cars relevant and reach out to a larger audience. 

Nissan, however, has not been focusing too much on marketing their products. For example, the brand seemed to have forgotten the X-Trail very soon after its launch as no steps were taken to push the SUV in the market.

With their upcoming models, an improved marketing approach and strategy will likely result in better numbers and reach out to a wider audience. 

Bring The EVs!!

We have seen new and familiar automakers introducing multiple EVs in recent times! From Tata and Mahindra to global brands like BYD, EVs have created an impact in the past few years. In Europe, Nissan recently revealed the Micra EV and the third-generation Leaf and both seem to be compelling options from the Japanese automaker. While Nissan has not commented on EV launches for India, we would like to see these electrified vehicles make their way to India. 

This move could help Nissan increase its market share in India, and also tap into a market which seems to be growing multifold! 

We Want More From Nissan

The launch of a compact SUV and an MPV marks a critical moment for Nissan in India. These two models could help the brand regain lost ground, considering Nissan focuses on pricing, features, and after-sales service. While challenges remain, a well-executed strategy could ensure Nissan’s long-term survival and growth in the Indian market.

Nissan could also consider the possibility of introducing a globally acknowledged product like the Nissan Patrol. The full-fledged SUV could help create and establish a premium image, while also locking horns with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX which are currently enjoying the duopoly. 

Zig Says...

In the global scenario, Nissan is going through a complicated time, and India might currently not be the key focus. However, over time, we expect Nissan to eventually start making more sincere efforts and noteworthy progress on our shores once they have sorted out some of the other issues. 

Once known for its diverse range of products, Nissan seems to be shifting into the second gear now, and the launch of the two new products could cement its future in India. However, Nissan’s success would need a combination of everything - the right product strategy, the correct marketing, and most importantly, offering something that provides value. 

What do you think about Nissan’s future in India? Let us know in the comments section.