Made in Chennai, launch in 2026: Nissan’s new MPV targets India’s SUV-MPV boom

Japanese automaker Nissan has teased a new sub-four-metre passenger vehicle for the Indian market, marking a key step in its strategy to revive operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The upcoming model, expected to be named the Gravite , is based on the CMF-A platform shared with the Renault Triber and is scheduled for launch in January 2026 , with deliveries likely to commence from March .

The new MPV will be powered by Nissan’s familiar 1.0-litre petrol engine , paired with manual and AMT transmission options . While the core engine architecture is expected to be shared with the Triber, Nissan has indicated that the state of tune and gear ratios will be revealed only once the vehicle is available for test drives, suggesting possible differentiation in performance and drivability.

Designed to fit within the sub-four-metre category, the Gravite is expected to offer flexible seating and practical cabin layouts aimed at urban and semi-urban buyers. The model will be manufactured at Nissan’s Chennai facility , reinforcing India’s role as both a domestic market and a regional manufacturing hub for the company.

Although official pricing has not yet been announced, industry estimates suggest the MPV is unlikely to be priced below ₹6 lakh. Market expectations point to the base variants being positioned slightly above the entry-level threshold, while top-end trims could extend close to ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on feature offerings and safety equipment. This pricing would place the Gravite in direct competition with the Renault Triber and overlapping higher variants of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga .

Nissan Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa has described the upcoming MPV as a cornerstone of the company’s India revival plan . As part of this broader strategy, Nissan plans to expand its dealer network to around 250 outlets nationwide and introduce additional products, including the much-anticipated Tekton SUV , over the next few years. While Nissan is globally known for producing several legendary and performance-oriented vehicles, its India roadmap will remain largely focused on passenger vehicles.

The renewed product push comes amid a clear shift in Indian consumer preferences, with SUVs and MPVs increasingly favoured over sedans and hatchbacks. Higher ground clearance, flexible seating, and a perception of better road presence have driven sustained growth in these segments, prompting automakers to recalibrate their portfolios.

By entering the competitive sub-four-metre MPV space with a locally built product and a wider dealership footprint, Nissan is seeking to rebuild volumes, restore dealer confidence, and reposition itself as a stronger player in India’s evolving passenger vehicle market.