Nissan considering an e-Power SUV for India
Nissan is very determined on launching models with the e-Power drive system in India. Among the various cars under consideration is an SUV that could arrive early next decade.
At the Nissan Kicks’ exterior reveal, Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations, was asked about the possibility of the SUV getting an e-Power variant. Kuehl wasn’t direct with the response, avoiding speculations about the rumoured Nissan Kicks e-Power, but suggested that an e-Power SUV is a likely future model for India.
“What I want to see it’s very very clear. I want to see in the next five years, I want to see a product, SUV product where we have e-Power,” Kuehl said.
Nissan is considering Kicks e-Power for Brazil, local reports citing Marco Silva, President, Nissan Brazil, said in February this year. So, a possibility is that the “SUV product” with the e-Power electrified powertrain under consideration for India is the Kicks only. Also, the company was doing a feasibility study for an e-Power sedan for our market earlier this year, as its understanding is that sedan buyer here will pay a premium for the e-Power technology.
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In January 2019, Nissan India will launch the Kicks with the conventional engines, very likely the 106 PS 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine and the 110 PS 1.5-litre K9K diesel. Underpinned by the B0/Logan platform, the premium B-SUV will compete directly with the Hyundai Creta that has ruled the segment for three years now with cumulative sales since the launch nearing 6 lakh units.