New Datsun to debut in India

Nissan’s rebirth of its Datsun brand will take form with a low-cost model targeted at the burgeoning Indian market, where the manufacturer hopes to sell up to 200,000 Datsun-badged vehicles annually.

According to Autocar India, Datsun’s first model in its new avatar will be a no-frills five-door hatchback that will cost as little as $5500, putting it up against the likes of the Hyundai i10 and Maruti (Suzuki) Alto.

In addition to the Indian market, the Datsun brand will also be introduced to other growth markets such as Russia, Indonesia and South Africa. Nissan killed Datsun as a brand in 1981.

The world debut of the new Datsun nameplate will be at the Kingdom of Dreams (a huge entertainment, theatre and leisure and destination) in New Delhi on July 15. It’s believed Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn will also be on hand to unveil the crucial low-cost model.

The key USPs of the Datsun brand will reportedly be affordability and attractive styling, but it will have its work cut out in luring buyers away from the well-entrenched Maruti, Hyundai and Tata brands.

“India is a tough market and it’s not going to be a picnic for us, but we believe Datsun can crack it with modernity and a superior product.” Datsun Business Unit corporate vice president Vincent Cobee said.

The only clue the company has provided to the styling of the new car is this teaser shot of the car’s hexagonal grille, at the centre of which resides the reinvented Datsun badge.

It’s believed the car will be powered by the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol used by the Micra, with no diesel version mooted at this stage.

According to Autocar India, the Datsun will offer as much interior space as the Micra, yet weigh considerably less. The combination of light weight and powerful (for the segment) engine is expected to yield superior performance to the opposition, while matching the best in class for fuel economy.

The Datsuns will reportedly share showroom space with the existing Nissan models sold in India, but they will have their own designated area built to reflect Datsun’s brand ethos.

Explaining the rationale behind dusting off the Datsun brand name, Cobee said: “The choice of brand name was obvious. The Datsun brand remains in our portfolio as one of the most cherished brands in automotive history. And the connection between the Datsun of today and the Datsun of yesterday is authentic.

“Just as consumers in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s wanted high-quality, durable and reliable vehicles, potential customers in high-growth markets -- who today have so few choices -- are eager for such vehicles. We are confident that the new Datsun will meet these expectations,” Cobee continued.

There are no current plans to revive Datsun Down Under.

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