Is Nissan Planning A Maruti Dzire Rival For India?

We have confirmation from the Japanese carmaker that it will be introducing a sub-4-metre SUV for the Indian market, based on the same platform as the Renault Kiger. Also, media reports suggest that the French carmaker is preparing a sub-4-metre sedan for India as well, based on the Kwid. Nissan might also borrow this platform to build its own subcompact sedan for India.

Nissan Sentra (for representation only)

Renault’s upcoming subcompact sedan, codenamed LBA, has been talked about for quite some time now. Now, with the subcompact SUV being developed, it seems like the sedan has been pushed further back. That said, once the SUV is launched by both, Renault and Nissan, they’ll still have a few gaps in their line-up. They’ll have affordable hatchbacks (Datsun redi-GO and Go are being counted as Nissan cars for easier understanding), sub-4-metre SUVs, SUVs above 4-metres, and MPVs (once again, Datsun Go+ is being counted as a Nissan car).

It is easy to see that both the sister companies lack an affordable sedan in their range. Of course, Renault will be launching one in a year or two, thus filling the void. We expect Nissan to follow suit with its own redesigned version of Renault LBA. As for the styling, we expect similar design cues as the new Datsun redi-GO and the upcoming Nissan Magnite. Thus, we expect sharp headlight and taillight design, which will be a sharp contrast to the LBA’s simpler and subtler look. We expect both cars to come with a smart-looking interior.

As for the engines, we expect the same powerplants to be present under the hood of the Nissan sedan as the Renault counterpart. Then again, we don’t have any confirmation about the motors that would be powering that car either. We have a lot of speculation though. The upcoming Nissan sedan could feature the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine as the Datsun Go. This motor can generate 73 PS and 96 Nm.

Other than that, there might be a 1.0-litre, inline-3, turbocharged petrol engine as well, which can generate 100 PS and 160 Nm. Transmission options would include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. It will compete against the likes of Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Aura.