Nissan Gravite

It’s been a while since we saw a new Nissan car in India, and the brand has now changed that with the introduction of the new Nissan Gravite MPV. 

While essentially a rebadged version of the Renault Triber, it brings forward a fresh personality, slightly more premium interior and a bolder look and feel to cater to a more urban and younger audience.

In short, if you are looking for an affordable and family-friendly package, but one which won’t bore you out, the Gravite makes a good case for itself. It’s not without its flaws though, but none of them are dealbreakers.

Design & Build Quality

Nissan certainly doesn’t hide the Gravite’s origins in its design, but it has not just slapped on a new logo and called it a day. The design may bear resemblance to the Triber, but some key changes certainly give it a new flavour and make it feel more youthful. 

Up front, there is a large gloss black grille with a ‘honeycomb’ detailing taking centre stage.

Below, there is an aggressive bumper with large ‘C-shaped’ accents.

The headlamp internals have also been reworked to feature a ‘smoked’ effect along with slim new LED DRLs.

Furthermore, there is a sculpted bonnet with ‘GRAVITE’ lettering, a silver skid plate and black cladding as well to add to its sporty look.

In profile, the Gravite does have stretched-out proportions with minimal overhangs that showcase its function-over-form ethos.

But you also have funky wheel covers on 15-inch steel wheels, functional roof rails with 50kg loading capacity, chrome door handles, and a body decal instead of door cladding to keep things interesting.

The Launch Edition also gets stylish decals which stretch from the rear doors to the rear fenders and orange accents across the exterior.

The rear end styling consists of smoked LED taillamps with a thin chrome strip connecting them, similar ‘C-shaped’ accents with orange detailing as the front, and a heavily-clad bumper.

This approach could polarise opinions, although it does add to the MPV’s road presence.

Nissan has stuck to the conservative side of things by offering mostly greyscale colour options. The Gravite can be had in six shades namely Storm White, Metallic Grey, Blade Silver, Onyx Black and a slightly more unique Forest Green hue. 

Checkout this story to know about the variant-wise colour offerings.

Overall, the Gravite looks more aggressive than you’d expect an MPV to be like, but that is also what makes it stand out from the crowd.

In terms of build quality, we did not see any irregular panel gaps, and the car appears to be sturdy overall.

Design & Quality

Inside, the Gravite manages to look fairly premium and classy without being too extravagant. You would notice that the dashboard layout has been borrowed from the pre-facelift version of the Triber, but it has been updated with some small touches. There is a wood-like plastic insert placed above the beige dashboard, and a gloss black strip on the passenger side. You also get to see chrome surrounds for the side AC vents. 

The same beige panel flows into the door pads as well which feature a silver finish for the door handles.

There is a new steering wheel design that looks chic with its gloss black inserts and thumb contours.

The central AC vents are slim and placed high-up, while the floating touchscreen also gets flanked at the bottom by toggle-like switchgear.

Below this you will find three knobs which act as the AC controls. These have chrome inserts as well and feel sturdy to operate.

The quality of materials used are satisfactory for the segment. The interior is finished mostly in hard plastics, but some small elements like a chrome ring for the start/stop button, gloss black trims on the steering wheel and chrome surrounds for the outward AC vents all uplift the ambience.

Also, in the top-spec variant, you get premium leatherette and suede seat upholstery, which is something that you do not see in this price and segment.

The Gravite has fairly consistent levels of fit and finish as well, and the car feels well put together. However, the door lock/unlock toggles feel very old and do not match the quality of the rest of this cabin.

Front Seats

Ingress and Egress is easy in the Gravite. Although you do not just ‘slide-in’, the drop into the cabin isn’t too low, which could prove to be a hit with senior citizens. The front seats offer good levels of comfort, with adequate thigh support and room. The bolstering is light and suits larger frames as well. 

One area I wish Nissan improves is the addition of adjustable headrests for the driver and front passenger; the fixed ones tend to dig into the neck of taller occupants.

In addition to fore and aft adjustment, the driver seat also gets height adjustment, which offers a healthy range and will suit shorter and taller occupants equally well.

Second Row

It is safe to say that most passengers will prefer the second row of the Gravite over the front seat, given all the pampering on offer. The second row is placed slightly higher than the first row and combined with the large and wide opening doors, there is minimal effort required to get in or out of it.

Furthermore, the second row also gets sliding and reclining functions which take up the comfort quotient by a huge margin. You also have adjustable headrests, dedicated AC vents on B-pillars, and blower control as well which is operated by a knob on the centre console.

As for the seats themselves, the flat bench has just the right amount of cushioning to be comfortable over longer durations. That said, I expected the underthigh support to be better, and more lumbar support for the lower back would have been nice too. There is also no centre armrest or a middle headrest provided here.

The space on offer here is good for two passengers and decent for three. When seating three on this bench, the middle passenger will have to occasionally adjust for some shoulderroom, and the missing middle headrest can result in fatigue during long drives.

Third Row

Getting in or out of the third row is convenient, especially since the second row seat folds and tumbles. You still have to duck down quite a bit, but there will be no issues with getting your feet in. Space is at a premium here, and given the knees-up position you sit in, these seats are best left for children. 

With the second-row pushed completely forward, you might just be able to squeeze in a couple of short adults for short distances, but it is important to note that the Gravite is a strict 5+2 seater.

The Gravite also offers roof-mounted AC vents for the third row, but unlike the first two rows there is no blower control here.

Storage & Practicality

There are plenty of storage options for all rows inside the Gravite. Front occupants get two cupholders in the centre console.

Interestingly, there are also not one, but two gloveboxes on offer, both of which offer plenty of space for your knick-knacks and documents.

The upper glovebox is also quite inconspicuous, which can prove to be quite useful to hide stuff. Moreover, the lower glovebox and the centre console storage box are cooled, which come in handy to chill your drinks over long trips.

Just below the dashboard, there is also a shelf and a small but deep storage space behind the wireless charging pad as well.

In addition to this, all four doors get bottle holders, which comfortably hold a one-litre plastic bottle each.

The second row passengers get seatback pockets and the third row occupants have a small cubby on either side. 

Charging Options

In the Gravite, front occupants have a USB charging port in the center, with a wireless smartphone charger just below it.

Second and third row occupants also have a 12V socket each placed on the centre console and left armrest respectively.

Boot Space

With the Gravite, you get a flexible interior layout. You can fold the second and third row seats down individually, which helps in carrying different sized and shaped cargo.

You also have the ability to completely remove the last row for even more space, or fold down all the rear seats for when you have to move houses.

With all rows up, you can fit in a couple of office bags in the boot. However, with just the last row folded down, the Gravite can easily swallow a full suitcase set of small, medium and full-sized luggage along with a couple of duffle bags and 3-4 small backpacks.

This is consistent with Nissan’s claim of 625-litre boot space in the 5-seater configuration. What also helps in achieving this feat is a boxy shape of the cabin, and a low loading lip

Nissan has given the Gravite plenty of features. There is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system is easy to navigate and does its job well. However, I would have liked to have physical knobs or switches for basic functions like volume controls.

Music duties are handled by a 6-speaker sound system. You can also get JBL-branded speakers as an accessory or as a part of the Launch Edition. The overall sound quality though is average, and distortion is heard quite clearly at higher volume levels.

There is a rear view camera offered which gets static guidelines. The image quality of the feed is grainy, which does become a problem in low light conditions, but there is no lag.

You also have the 7-inch digital driver’s display. This unit offers smooth transitions and new graphics with some interesting animations as well. That said, all the basic drive information is laid out in a clean manner, and can be read easily at a glance.

Other features also include auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a day/night adjustable IRVM, cruise control (MT only), push button start/stop, steering-mounted audio controls and an air purifier.

You can also check this story for a more in-depth look at what each variant is equipped with.

Safety 

The Gravite gets a commendable list of safety equipment such as 6 standard airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), traction control, front and rear parking sensors, rear wiper with defogger and hill start assist (HSA). 

It has not been crash tested by Bharat NCAP yet.

Engine Performance 

Under the hood, the Gravite is powered by a 1-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which can be had with manual and AMT gearbox options.

The Gravite now also gets a dual-cylinder CNG kit as a dealer-level fitment which costs Rs 82,999. While the exact power and torque figures haven't been revealed yet, being a CNG version, the figures will be lower than what you get with the standard petrol powertrain.

MT- Manual Transmission, AMT- Automated Manual Transmission

We have also detailed the variants you can have with each gearbox option here.

For this review, we got our hands on the manual transmission equipped version of the Gravite.

City Performance

Pottering around the city is quite easy in the Gravite with its light controls and compact proportions. It is not a brisk performer, but has enough pep to move around and tackle the daily grind. Start the car and there is noticeable vibration typical of a three-cylinder engine, which remains a characteristic throughout. 

Moving off the line, the power delivery is a bit flat but the short gear ratios mask it to an extent. The steering too is light and offers good feedback, which certainly makes life easier in dense traffic conditions. That said, the gearshifts do feel notchy and the long throws are not as smooth as you would expect. Also, the short gear ratios mean that you have to constantly change gears when driving inside the city, and the short first gear means you have to be extra careful in bumper-to-bumper traffic in order to avoid stalling.

Overall, the Gravite feels at home in the city where speeds are low and traffic is normal. You could also opt for the AMT transmission as well, but considering the jerky nature of the AMT gearbox, we would suggest looking at the manual transmission only, especially with light clutch.

Highway Performance

As good as the Gravite is inside the city, it feels equally strained out on the open road. The short gear ratios also make for a loud cabin at higher speeds, which can be irritating over long distances to say the least.

There is a noticeable flat spot in the mid range of the engine and overtakes need to be planned well in advance. What also doesn’t help is that you need to shift down a gear or two almost every time.

With all these factors in play then, the Gravite is at its most comfortable being driven in a relaxed manner and cruising between 80 kmph and 90 kmph rather than hustling it along.

Ride & Handling 

Ride Quality

Nissan products are known for their balanced ride quality in India, and the Gravite is no different. At low speeds the ride feels plush and all but the largest of potholes are dealt with easily, without transferring shocks into the cabin.

Even out on the highways and with a full load, the Gravite feels planted. Slight undulations do make their presence felt but the car settles down quickly without any drama.

Handling

A smooth steering that weighs up in a linear manner and minimal body roll in corners ensure that the Gravite handles predictably. Horizontal and vertical movements are well-controlled, and your passengers will be able to enjoy the ride without any noticeable discomfort.

Nissan is offering the Gravite in a range of 4 broad variants: Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna. All the variants with a manual transmission are now being offered with retrofitted CNG kit.

However, the carmaker has also launched a special ‘Launch Edition’ based on the top-spec Tekna variant which adds a bunch of accessories for Rs 45,000 extra. This edition will be limited to 1,001 units. 

While we have already explained the variants in detail in this story, here is a brief overview:

Nissan Gravite Visia

• Offered with a manual transmission only.

• Gets halogen lighting, 14-inch black steel wheels and black door handles.

• The cabin is finished in a black and beige theme with fabric upholstery, slide and recline function for the second row and adjustable headrests for rear passengers.

• Features include a semi-digital instrument cluster, manual adjustment for ORVMs, front power windows and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

• Offered with safety features like 6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors

Nissan Gravite Acenta

• Gets a manual transmission only.

• Exterior additions include silver skid plates, wheel covers for 14-inch steel wheels and piano black door handles and ORVMs

• Cabin gets grab handles for second and third row occupants, cooled centre console storage and dedicated AC vents for rear passengers.

• Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted audio controls, 2 speakers and USB Type-C charging port for front occupants.

• Safety remains unchanged, except for addition of speed sensing door lock and impact sensing door unlock.

Nissan Gravite N-Connecta

• Available with manual and AMT gearbox options.

• Style upgrades such as functional roof rails, LED turn indicators on ORVMs, LED taillamps and door cladding decal.

• Interior gets dual-tone white and black upholstery, upper glovebox, cooled lower glovebox, wood trim on dashboard, passenger seatback pocket and leatherette steering wheel.

• Additional features include 4-speaker sound system, rear power windows, power-adjustable ORVMs, 12V power outlet for second row and day/night IRVM.

• Safety features remain same, except additions of rear wiper with defogger and a rear parking camera.

Nissan Gravite Tekna

• Can be equipped as a manual and AMT gearbox options.

• Gets chrome door handles, LED headlamps and DRLs, 15-inch steel wheels with stylised wheel covers and LED foglamps.

• Cabin comes with three-tone white, blue and black upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, driver seatback pocket and front centre armrest.

• Features include 7-inch digital instrument cluster, push button start/stop, cruise control (MT only), wireless charger, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and 6-speaker music system.

• Safety kit gets front parking sensors, but remains identical to N-Connecta otherwise.

In addition to the Tekna variant, the Launch Edition adds:

• Styling elements like orange inserts for ‘C-shaped’ silver bumper accents, door visors, orange wheel arch inserts, side decal, chrome window trim and a chrome-lined gear knob.

• Add-ons such as lumbar and neck cushions, dual dashcam, air purifier, mood lighting and JBL-branded speakers.

CarDekho Recommends

• Go for the Acenta variant if on a budget, as it covers most essentials without feeling ‘basic’.

• Splurge for the Tekna variant if you want the full experience with all the features.

• Buy the Launch Edition only if you would anyways have opted for the accessories on offer.

We have also compiled a detailed list of the Gravite’s official accessories here.

The Gravite may be an affordable and entry-level MPV option, but Nissan has not cut corners when it comes to the style, driving comfort and the sheer practicality of the entire package. It is easy to drive, well equipped, and offers an almost no-nonsense driving experience that should fare fine for most buyers.

With that in mind, the only thing I’d really want to change about it is the powertrain, which feels dull and slow and its driving experience will definitely benefit from a more powerful and a better refined engine. But that said, at this astonishingly low price, undercutting even the Triber that it's based on, there really is no reason to complain.

If you’re in the market for a spacious, versatile and easy-to-drive MPV, the Gravite makes for a compelling option. An added bonus is the bolder styling too which will set it apart from the boring and sober designs of some of its rivals. Here's a comprehensive buying guide before you finalise your purchase.

Other Cars To Consider

Renault Triber (Gravite Vs Triber)

Reasons To Consider

• Subtle styling

• Dealer-fitted CNG option

Reasons To Ignore

• Slightly more expensive, while offering much of the same things.

Maruti Ertiga (Gravite Vs Ertiga)

Reasons To Consider

• Better cabin space

• Larger boot

• Much bigger sales and service network

• Superior performance and a more economical CNG fuel option

Reasons To Ignore

• Significantly less affordable

• Fewer features on offer

Toyota Rumion (Gravite Vs Rumion)

Reasons To Consider

• Better cabin space

• Larger boot

• Much bigger sales and service network

• Superior performance and a more economical CNG fuel option

Reasons To Ignore

• Significantly less affordable

• Fewer features on offer

Kia Carens (Gravite Vs Carens)

Reasons To Consider

• Larger size

• Better fit-and-finish

• Diesel engine option available

• Proper 7-seater

Reasons To Ignore

• Much more expensive

• No automatic transmission on offer