With a compact footprint of under 4 metres, seating for up to 7 people and an aggressive starting price of Rs 5.65 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Nissan Gravite represents a compelling option for the value-conscious buyer. Here’s what it’s like.
Design and engineering – 8/10
Badge-engineered Gravite features different bumpers and wheels compared to Triber; based on the same CMF-A+ platform.
In case you didn’t know already, the Gravite is a product of the long-standing Renault-Nissan joint venture. But unlike the Magnite and Kiger compact SUVs, which featured proper sheet metal changes and different interiors, the Gravite is merely a badge-engineered Renault Triber. So, changes are limited to ‘soft parts’ like the bumpers, alloy wheels and interior upholstery. Like the Triber, the Gravite too is based on the same CMF-A+ platform and, as such, is near-identical in terms of dimensions.
As for design, the Gravite’s front end is dominated by a large, gloss-black grille which houses the 2D Nissan logo. The bonnet is sculpted and features ‘Gravite’ lettering, while the LED headlamps have a different DRL signature than the Triber. The front bumper, too, is different from the Triber, with the Gravite getting large, C-shaped elements in the outer edges. This being the Launch Edition gets orange accents in the front and rear bumpers, decals along the sides and some additional features inside.
Along the sides, the most noticeable difference to the Triber is the different design for the 15-inch wheels and Nissan have done a good job disguising them as alloys when they’re really wheel covers. You also get functional roof rails which have a load capacity of 50kg. At the back too, there’s a different bumper with C-shaped elements in the outer edges, Gravite badging on the tailgate and the beak-shaped taillamps get some different LED elements.
Interior space and comfort – 9/10
Practical and versatile cabin can seat up to 7; third row can be removed entirely for more boot space.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Gravite too shares a lot of similarities to the Triber. The dashboard layout is largely the same, though the Gravite gets the layout from the older Triber with the AC vents on top and the touchscreen lower down. It also gets a different dual-tone black and beige theme for the dashboard and a different ivory-and-blue suede and leatherette upholstery for the seats. The seats look and feel nice but the light upholstery will be tough to keep clean. The seats themselves, though flat, offer good support and cushioning and the driver’s armrest only adds to the comfort.
In the middle row there’s ample room for three adults, aided by the flat-ish floor, sliding bench and reclining backrest. You also get adjustable head rests for the outer two seats, dedicated AC vents with blower control and a 12V socket. However, the Gravite’s clever packaging really comes to the fore in the third row, which is accessed by tumble-folding the second row. What’s surprising is the space in the third row, even for adults. After finding a good compromise in terms of legroom in the front and middle rows, adults can comfortably travel here especially over short stints.
The third row also gets adjustable head rests, dedicated AC vents and a 12V socket, though the proximity of the tailgate to the passenger’s head is disconcerting. The cabin is a practical place too with plenty of storage spaces around. Like the Triber, it gets two gloveboxes, the bottom of which is cooled and you also get a cooled box between the front seats.
There’s also a tray for your smartphone in the centre console, reasonably sized doorbins and plenty of other cubby spaces dotted around the cabin. Boot space will all rows up can only fit in a few backpacks but uniquely, the third row can be removed entirely to free up 625 litres of bootspace. Even the second row can be split-folded 60:40 for more cargo space.
However, the driver’s footwell is cramped, it lacks a dead pedal and there’s evident signs of cost-cutting like the simple woven roofliner and basic looking interior light. The plastics too are hard and scratchy, but given the aggressive pricing, it is acceptable.
Features and safety – 8/10
Gets touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, auto LED lights and wipers and more; Launch edition gets more kit like a JBL audio system.
The range-topping Tekna+ variant gets an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charger, push button start/stop, cruise control (manual only), auto LED headlamps, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera and a cooled glovebox. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, traction control, hill-start assist, a rear camera and a tyre pressure monitor.
On top of this, the Launch Edition featured here gets a JBL audio system (it sounds quite ordinary though), front and rear dash cameras, configurable ambient lighting, an air purifier and more. As such, the Nissan Gravite comes well-equipped for a car at this price point.
Performance and refinement – 5/10
1.0 NA petrol engine is adequate for the city but struggles on the highway and when fully-loaded.
Powering the Gravite is the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also does duty in the Renault Triber, Kiger and Nissan Magnite. It puts out 72hp and 96Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic. With those output numbers, performance is best described as leisurely. The 0-100kph sprint takes 16.55 sec, while 20-80kph in 3rd gear takes 12.98sec and 40-100kph in 4th gear is dealt with in 16.79sec.
The performance is adequate for everyday city driving but the lack of grunt really comes to the fore on the highways and when the car is fully loaded. So overtaking out on the highway will require careful planning and a downshift or two. You’ll also have to rev the engine out all the way to get a move on and that exposes the shortcomings in refinement too, as the engine becomes very audible inside.
The clutch of the manual is on the heavier side and the bite point is quite high, so you’ll have to get used to the modulation. The gearshifts too require more effort than you’d expect. The brakes, meanwhile, have decent stopping power, bringing the Gravite to a halt from 80kph in 28.13 metres.
As for other powertrain options, Nissan will launch the Gravite with a factory-fit CNG option soon but that’s still in the works. Nissan, like Renault, also opted against using the 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol from the Kiger/Magnite ads that would drive up costs and position the MPV too close to the larger Maruti Ertiga.
Ride comfort and handling – 7/10
Ride quality is composed and handling is predictable; light steering is a downer.
The Gravite’s light steering helps in low speed city driving and while parking, but it feels lifeless and disconnected at higher speeds. Around bends, there’s a considerable amount of body roll though it feels safe and predictable.
Like the Triber, the Gravite has a hint of underlying firmness in its ride quality. But when the car’s fully loaded it feels more pliant and composed. High speed stability is also a highlight, especially when you consider that it weighs under a tonne. Certain sharp jolts and big potholes do filter through, though it’s never to the point of being uncomfortable. In conclusion, the Gravite rides with maturity belying its size and weight.
Mileage – 7/10
Gravite MT has a claimed mileage of 19.3kpl; AMT does 19.6kpl.
On our short test drive, we didn’t get a chance to subject the Gravite to our instrumented, real-world fuel efficiency tests. However, Nissan claims that the MPV will do 19.3kpl with the manual and 19.6kpl with the AMT automatic. Expect real-world figures to be lower than these.
Price and verdict – 8/10
Stands out for its excellent packaging and versatile and practical cabin; starting price is lower than the Triber.
Prices for the Nissan Gravite range from Rs 5.65 lakh to 8.93 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). Do note though, the Rs 8.93 lakh price is for the limited-run Launch Edition that you see here. The Triber meanwhile, has a higher starting price of Rs 5.76 lakh but its top-spec is more affordable, at Rs 8.39 lakh. The Gravite comes with a standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000km, which can be extended up to 10 years/2,00,000km.
In conclusion, the Nissan Gravite is simply an alternative to the Renault Triber as they have the same strengths and weaknesses and it really boils down to which MPV’s design and interior you prefer. The Gravite, like the Triber, has carved out a niche for itself and for hatchback money, what you’re getting is a proper 7-seater MPV that measures under 4-metres. There are some drawbacks, like the underpowered engine and the evident cost-cutting in places, but then the Gravite stands out for its practical and versatile cabin, the excellent packaging, composed ride quality and a usable third row. So if you are on a budget and need a people mover that’s relatively comfortable and well-equipped, the Nissan Gravite deserves your consideration.
