Nissan is set to launch a new SUV in India based on the third-gen Renault Duster which made its global debut in 2023 and has been on sale in select European nations for some time. The former has now teased its upcoming mid-size SUV and revealed its possible launch timeline.
The Japanese carmaker has revealed that the yet unnamed C-segment SUV will be launched in early FY26, which means it will most likely hit the roads between April and June next year. This also means the all-new Renault Duster will be launched prior to its Nissan cousin, i.e., either late 2025 or early 2026.
Nissan C-SUV: Expected Design
Nissan claims that the upcoming 5-seater mid-size SUV will boast of a completely different top hat as compared to the Duster. Visually, it will be in sync with the Japanese carmaker’s new design language and the only commonality between the two models will the jointly-developed CMF-B platform.
In fact, Nissan says that the upcoming C-segment mid-size SUV will borrow design cues from its flagship SUV Patrol. Further, Nissan has assured that the upcoming SUV will offer an unmistakable road presence with a high approach and departure angle.
As seen in the teaser images, the upcoming Nissan C-segment SUV features a signature front grille with two sleek chrome strips extending across its length, a centrally positioned Nissan logo, and inverted L-shaped LED DRLs linked by a chrome accent. The bumper is another major difference between the upcoming Nissan SUV and its French counterpart.
Nissan C-SUV: Expected engine
Nissan will most likely offer the C-segment SUV with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine at the time of its launch. This mill is said to dish out 152 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties could be taken care of by either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This isn’t the first time that Renault will be sharing its models with Nissan. Both brands, along with Mitsubishi, had forged a partnership a long time ago which had resulted in re-engineered models like the current Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. Previously, Nissan offered the Terrano which was essentially a Duster in Nissan’s clothing. However, Nissan hasn’t yet confirmed if it will reincarnate the nameplate of one of its dead models for the upcoming model.
