Nissan targets entry-level 7-seater segment with ₹5.65 lakh Gravite

Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) on 18 February rolled out the all-new Gravite, a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), priced at an introductory ₹5.65 lakh (ex-showroom). The model is positioned in the entry-level MPV segment, where affordability and space remain key purchase drivers.

Company executives described the launch as part of a broader product and network expansion strategy. Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President – Middle East, KSA, CIS and India at Nissan, said, “India is central to the company’s global ambitions and that the Gravite marks the beginning of a sustained growth phase backed by local manufacturing in Chennai and a future-ready product roadmap.”

A push to scale up in India’s PV market

With the Gravite, Nissan is seeking to expand its presence in the mass passenger vehicle (PV) market, where it currently holds a share of under 1% of domestic industry volumes, according to industry estimates. India’s PV market recorded annual sales of over 40 lakh units in FY25, with utility vehicles and MPVs contributing a steady share of incremental demand.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated that the model has been designed around the needs of Indian families, highlighting modular seating and practicality as key attributes. The company had not responded to emailed queries sent by Fortune India at the time of publication.

Industry experts say the launch could help Nissan strengthen volumes in a “price-sensitive category”. Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of Expereal, said expanding the portfolio is critical for sustaining brand recall and described the model as Nissan’s alternative to the Renault Triber, with styling and dealer push likely to influence traction.

On similar lines, Puneet Gupta, Director at S&P Global Mobility, said the Gravite could “significantly add volumes,” particularly with a sharper focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, while also energising dealerships and improving showroom traffic.

Product positioning in a volume segment

According to the company, the Gravite is positioned as an accessible seven-seater targeted at large families, first-time buyers upgrading from entry hatchbacks, and small fleet operators. The sub-₹6 lakh pricing places it at the lower end of the MPV spectrum, a segment that continues to see stable demand in semi-urban and rural markets, as per industry analysts.

The compact and entry MPV segment, including models such as the Maruti Suzuki Eeco and higher-priced offerings like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, accounts for an estimated 3–4 lakh units annually. Entry MPVs cater to buyers prioritising seating capacity, running costs, and financing accessibility over premium features.

Competitive landscape and market dynamics

The Gravite enters a segment dominated by established players with strong dealer reach and brand recall. The Maruti Suzuki Eeco continues to hold a significant share in the entry MPV space due to its utilitarian positioning and pricing advantage, as per industry observers. Notably, the Renault Triber has carved a niche with modular seating flexibility, while the Ertiga addresses buyers at a higher price band.

Gupta of S&P Global Mobility noted that while aggressive pricing is a key lever, after-sales service reach, resale value perception, and financing schemes remain decisive in purchase decisions, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III markets. “Nissan’s dealership footprint remains smaller than that of market leaders, which could influence penetration in deeper markets,” he maintained.

Strategic context

The Gravite will be produced at Nissan’s Chennai plant, which also caters to export markets. For Nissan, which holds less than 1% share of India’s over 40 lakh-unit PV market, expanding in the entry MPV space could help improve scale and dealer throughput.

While the MPV segment is smaller than the SUV category, it remains structurally relevant in Tier-II and Tier-III markets. The Gravite’s performance will depend on execution across pricing, network engagement, and sustained demand in value-driven segments.