Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. officially designated 2026 as its “turnaround year” in India Tuesday. The announcement coincided with the launch of its second domestic model, the seven-seater Nissan Gravite MPV.
Nissan Motor India MD Saurabh Vatsa confirmed an aggressive roadmap to expand from one segment to four within the next 12 months. This resurgence strategy aims to fill the price gap between ₹6 lakh and ₹20 lakh. The company seeks to move beyond its reliance on the Magnite by introducing a fresh, SUV-heavy lineup produced at its Chennai alliance facility.
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The “Year of Resurgence”: Nissan’s 2026 Pivot
The company currently holds a narrow market share, retailing only the Magnite sub-compact SUV. However, 2026 is positioned as the brand’s resurgence year. Vatsa told reporters Tuesday that Nissan is embarking on a “product offensive” to compete in the segments that matter most to Indian consumers.
Meanwhile, the company is tapping into international markets to boost volumes. Nissan expects to cross the 1 lakh unit export mark from India in the FY 2026-27 period. This dual-focus on domestic growth and global exports is the cornerstone of Nissan’s long-term commitment to the region.
Gravite: Targeting the Budget 7-Seater Segment
The newly launched Gravite is a 1-liter petrol-powered MPV designed for high local content. Priced between ₹5.65 lakh and ₹8.49 lakh, it directly challenges the budget MPV segment. The vehicle utilizes both naturally aspirated and turbo petrol engine options.
Next, the Gravite shares its architecture with the Renault Triber, benefiting from proven durability and low maintenance costs. It features a versatile seating arrangement and an updated infotainment suite. In fact, Nissan aims for the Gravite to become a volume driver in Tier II and Tier III cities.
Future Portfolio: Tekton and C-Segment SUVs
Beyond the Gravite, Nissan plans to launch the Tekton SUV later this year. The Tekton is expected to be a midsize SUV built on the new Renault Duster platform. Furthermore, a larger seven-seater C-segment SUV is also in the pipeline to compete with established players like the Scorpio-N and XUV700.
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“We are going from one segment of vehicles to four segments,” Vatsa added. This expansion will be supported by a dealer network growing from 160 to 250 outlets by the end of the current fiscal. Therefore, Nissan is finally addressing its most significant hurdle: limited product variety and service reach.
Reality Check
Nissan calls 2026 the “year of resurgence.” Still, the company has historically struggled with a “single-product” brand image in India. Therefore, the success of this turnaround depends entirely on the Tekton’s ability to crack the highly competitive midsize SUV market. In fact, while the Gravite is affordable, its 1-liter engine may feel underpowered for a fully loaded seven-seater on highway runs.
The Loopholes
The “₹5.65 lakh” starting price for the Gravite is an ex-showroom teaser for the base trim. In fact, after taxes and insurance, the on-road price in most cities will exceed ₹6.5 lakh. Therefore, the “budget” label has its limits. Furthermore, the 24-month warranty extension mentioned for other products this week hasn’t been explicitly confirmed as a standard feature for the Gravite yet. Still, the company’s push into four segments is a necessary loophole-closer for its previously stagnant portfolio.
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What This Means for You
If you are looking for an affordable family mover, the Gravite offers the lowest entry price for a 7-seater in the market today. First, test drive the turbo variant if you plan on frequent highway travel. Then, check the proximity of the new Nissan dealerships; the expansion to 250 outlets means a service center might finally be closer to your home.
Finally, realize that waiting for the Tekton SUV later this year might be better if you want a more powerful engine and a rugged platform. You should also watch for exchange offers on the older Magnite as Nissan attempts to migrate its loyalists to the new Gravite and Tekton models. Before the year ends, expect Nissan to become a much more visible player in the ₹10-15 lakh SUV bracket.
What’s Next
The Nissan Gravite will begin deliveries across India by late February 2026. Then, the official teaser for the Nissan Tekton is expected to drop during the festive season. Finally, the company will finalize its C-segment SUV testing by early 2027 to complete its “four-segment” coverage.
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