Rumour: Nissan to launch X-Trail as a petrol hybrid

In November 2015, we had reported that Nissan would launch the third-generation X-Trail SUV in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. The company was expected to launch the car with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder dCi diesel engine. However, according to a new media report, the car is now expected to come with a petrol hybrid powerplant.

The Japanese-spec X-Trail hybrid has a 2.0-litre petrol engine (MR20DD) that puts out 145 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 207 Nm of torque @ 4,400 rpm + an electric motor that develops 40 BHP and 160 Nm of torque. The car has a CVT gearbox and a four-wheel drive system.

The hybrid powerplant is likely to help the X-Trail benefit from the FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India) scheme. Additionally, with sales of diesel cars with engines larger than 2,000cc banned in certain parts of the country and taxes on other diesel cars likely to be hiked, a petrol hybrid seems to be a safer option.

The third-generation X-Trail is built on Renault-Nissan's CMF-C/D platform. Its design is in line with other Nissan crossovers and SUVs. The interiors of the car feature seven seats and are more modern compared to the old X-Trail, which was discontinued in India in February 2014.

Nissan is likely to bring the X-Trail to India as a CBU.

Source: Autocar India