Nissan India has decided to postpone the official launch of its first contender in the popular compact SUV segment of the country. Called the Nissan Magnite, the company’s sub 4-meter SUV is now expected to be launched in January 2021. Previously, the Magnite SUV was expected to be launched in India around August – September, 2020.
The delay in the Magnite’s India launch is reported to be the disruptions in the supply chain due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its resulting lockdown. Additionally, the automotive market is currently facing a slowdown owing to difficult economic conditions. As a result, the manufacturer didn’t think the time was right to launch the Nissan Magnite, especially since the model is pegged to be Nissan’s attempt to regain some market share in the country.
If you are someone who were looking to buy a compact SUV later this year and were looking for more options, don’t be sad. Though Nissan Magnite India launch has been delayed, Renault is on-track to launch its contender in the segment. This new model is expected to be called the Renault Kriber and will essentially be Renault’s version on the same platform as that of the Nissan Magnite. Renault hasn’t made any official announcement regarding the Kriber launch date in India. However, sources suggest that the automaker is looking for a launch window around Diwali in order to take advantage of the festive season demand.
The Nissan Magnite is the company’s make-or-break model in the country. At the moment, Nissan only has the Kicks SUV on sale in India. And the Kicks isn’t bringing any significant volumes anyways. Hence, Magnite is the only product that Nissan as well as its authorised dealerships are looking forwards to in order to gain some lost ground.
The Nissan Magnite, when launched, is expected to start at a price of around Rs. 5.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Its badge-reengineered version, the Renault Kiger, too will be launched in the same price bracket.