Datsun unveiling sub Rs. 4 Lakh hatchback on July 15th
India will witness the revival of the iconic Datsun brand at Kingdon of Dreams in Gurgaon, Haryana on the 15th of July this year. Datsun has announced that the first car of their comeback will be unveiled at the event, and Carlos Ghosn, global CEO of the Renault-Nissan alliance, is expected to do the honours. The new Datsun will be a hatchback based on the previous generation Nissan Micra.
The new car is expected to arrive with a host of styling changes compared to the dated Micra, and will be smaller in terms of exterior dimensions but roomier inside. It will be powered by the Micra’s 1.2 litre petrol engine with no information about a diesel unit yet.
Datsun is aiming to sell 1.50 lakh to 2 lakh cars in India every year and is therefore expected to price their models very competitively. In agreement with their philosophy of quality at a budget, rumours are that the Datsun hatchback will be priced under Rs 4 lakh. This puts it into direct competition with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Hyundai Eon, which offer comparatively smaller engines (796 and 814cc respectively). The Datsun may already have an advantage, being more powerful than all its rivals while also matching their fuel efficiency.
A larger model with a seven-seater option is also being planned for the Datsun range of cars in India. This model is expected to compete with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. and the Japanese automaker plans to launch all three models at the 2014 Auto Expo.
