Second Generation Nissan Qashqai to be launched in India by 2014

Nissan Qashqai, the compact crossover SUV, can be termed as an amalgamation of features of an MPV and SUV. It has been well received in markets such as Australia and England ever since its launch in 2007. Now, it is all set to come to India in its second generation variant. The concept for the crossover SUV will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013 before its formal launch in 2014. The Second Generation compact crossover derives some features from Nissan's X-Trail SUV. It is expected to be priced less than Nissan X-Trail to position it competitively against rivals in the Indian SUV and MPV segment.

2014 Nissan Qashqai

The growing Indian SUV market

The SUV and MPV space in India is getting increasingly competitive as people are looking beyond sedans. In the SUV segment as well, multiple categories are getting created including that of low cost MPVs which comprises of the likes of Maruti Ertiga. Manufacturers are bringing in new models to India to grab a major share of the SUV market. Price remains a consideration for buyers even in the SUV and MPV segment. Custom built units cannot compete against the locally assembled models because of the huge gap in pricing. It is expected that the second generation Nissan Qashqai will be assembled in India for it to be considered as a potential competitor to the likes of Skoda Yeti. Skoda Yeti has garnered acclaim in markets around the world and NIssan Qashqai is expected to be priced in the same bracket as Skoda Yeti.

Second Generation Nissan Qashqai

The new Nissan Qashqai will be a spacious crossover SUV. The boot space will measure up to about 860 L with rear seats folded. The exteriors are appealing with narrow headlights on the same plane as the grille and interiors have been refined for better quality. The Indian variants will sport 1.2 L petrol engine or a 1.6 L diesel engine. The 1.2 L petrol engine produces 114 PS in power along with 190 Nm in torque while the 1.6 L dCi diesel engine produces 130 PS power.