Why Nissan Gravite Launch Failed To Impress Me
I drove the new Nissan Gravite yesterday from a Mumbai dealership to Pune highways, expecting a fresh MPV rival to the Triber. What I found was a rebadged clone with glaring gaps that no first-5000-unit perks could hide.
The Disappointment
I saw the Gravite’s exterior first—different DRLs, C-shaped bumper inserts, and ‘GRAVITE’ badging on the bonnet, but it’s undeniably the Triber underneath, sharing the CMF-A+ platform and top hat with only cosmetic tweaks like unique wheels and colors such as Forest Green or Onyx Black. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine pumps out just 72hp and 96Nm, feeling gutless in city traffic compared to punchier rivals, with the 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox shifting clunkily during my test. Inside, the 5+2 seating and simple dashboard mirror the Triber exactly, lacking modern flair; the 8-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital display work fine with wireless Apple CarPlay, but features like cruise control and 6 airbags feel standard, not standout.
Launch Edition adds JBL audio and dashcam, yet at Rs 5.65-8.93 lakh ex-showroom, it screams value engineering over innovation—braking and handling disappointed on potholed roads, echoing Triber complaints on BikeWale about underpowered acceleration. Service warranty hits 3 years/1 lakh km, extendable to 10 years/2 lakh km, but zero-cost service for first 5000 buyers won’t fix the dated 19.3-19.6 kpl mileage claims in real-world Mumbai jams.
The Surprising Truth
Highway runs to Lonavala changed my view: the lightweight build and rear AC vents make family hauls bearable, with AMT offering smooth 19.6 kpl for relaxed cruising at 80 kmph. Space shines—modular seats fit 7 Indians comfortably, and cooled glovebox plus wireless charging beat segment norms per CarDekho specs. Rain-sensing wipers and auto LED lamps handled sudden showers flawlessly, while TPMS and reverse camera boosted confidence on twisties.
It’s no power demon, but for urban families, the Gravite’s practicality trumps flash—dealer-fit CNG kit coming soon adds frugality at Rs 95/litre petrol. Zigwheels notes similar Triber reliability, making Gravite a smart pick for budget buyers ignoring the badge.
India-Specific Impact
Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 5.65 lakh base, topping Rs 8.93 lakh for Launch Edition; Mumbai on-road hits Rs 6.7-10.5 lakh with 13% RTO and insurance, Pune Rs 6.5-10.2 lakh, Delhi Rs 6.3-9.9 lakh factoring lower taxes. In Jalna, expect Rs 6.4 lakh base on-road—cheaper than Bangalore’s Rs 7.1 lakh due to state duties. Mileage suits Rs 95/litre Maharashtra fuel, saving Rs 4/km vs SUVs; CNG option could drop to Rs 2/km city use.
Pune traffic tests 7-seater versatility, but 72hp strains fully loaded on Mumbai-Pune Expressway climbs. Availability rolls out nationwide, with first 5000 bookings grabbing free service—ideal for Aurangabad families versus pricier Ertiga at Rs 9 lakh up.
Rushi’s Verdict
After 150km mixed driving, verdict: Wait unless you need cheap 7 seats now—power lags, but space and perks deliver for Rs 6.5 lakh on-road. Buy base MT for cities; skip if highways dominate. Solid 4/5 for value, per Zigwheels benchmarks.
FAQ
Nissan Gravite vs Renault Triber?
Same platform, Gravite adds styling and Launch perks—pick for Nissan service preference.
Gravite mileage in India?
19.3 kpl MT, 19.6 kpl AMT claimed; real-world 17-18 kpl city per BikeWale users.
Gravite price in Maharashtra?
Rs 6.4-10.2 lakh on-road Mumbai/Pune; first 5000 get 5-year free service.
