[JayPrashanth]

We're exactly two weeks away from the official unveil of the Datsun K2 low cost small car. In the run up to the unveil, Nissan India has just released an official sketch of the upcoming Datsun small car for the Indian car market. The Datsun K2 is said to use various components from the Nissan Micra parts bin, including the 1.2 liter-3 cylinder petrol engine.



The car will be a petrol-only model and will be positioned under the Nissan Micra, in the 3-4 lakh rupee segment populated by the likes of the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti A-Star. Said to be lighter and faster than the Micra, the Datsun K2 will come with a lower level of kit than the Micra to ensure cost competitiveness and clear demarcation.

While previous rumours suggested that the Datsun K2 would be based on the earlier generation K11 Micra platform, recent word emerging on AutocarIndia claims that only specific parts from Nissan's parts bin were used for the Datsun K2 project. The report goes on to add that the older K11 platform proved to be too small for the modern day Datsun, which is said to be as big as the current Micra.



Another key innovation on the Datsun K2, as reported by ZigWheels, could be a bench-type front seat that can accommodate 3 adults instead of the regular two in case of captain seats. The gear lever could move to the dashboard, a-la-Hyundai i10, to liberate ample space. Notably, the Mahindra S101 micro SUV is said to be taking the 6 seater route through this approach. Will we see Datsun taking the 6 seat approach with the K2? We'll have to wait for the 15th for possible answers.

Retired between 1982-84, the Datsun name plate will make a resurgence in 2014, 3 decades after the brand was discontinued by Nissan. The first Datsun small cars will go on sale in three main countries: India, Indonesia and Russia. These countries will be production hubs for the Datsun range of low cost cars. South Africa will join the Datsun trio in late 2014.

All Datsun car models produced in the aforementioned countries will be heavily localized to keep the initial purchase cost and the long term ownership costs minimal. Eventually, Datsun cars are expected to be sold across the globe, in various emerging car markets. India could serve as an export hub for Datsun cars, as the country currently does for Nissan.

However, the developed world will not get Datsun cars as crash test results for these low cost cars might not stand up to stringent regulator scrutiny of the developed world. In India, Datsun cars will be built at the Renault-Nissan joint manufacturing facility at Oragadam, off Chennai. Retail sales and service will happen through Nissan's pan-India showroom and service center network.

2014 will see yet another Datsun small car being launched in India, code named the i2. The Datsun i2, targeted at big volumes, will sit in the 2-3 lakh rupee segment, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon. Datsun's third product for India, a low cost MPV, is expected to arrive in 2015, as per an IndianCarsBikes report.

[norhog]

Having 3 persons sit in front is a simple solution. I and a lot others grew up on it a la Amby and Premier Padmini. Wonder why it was not discovered before. So now brace for 8 seater sumo, quanto...

[karan561]

IAB imagines the Datsun K2 with this render;



^ This is how the production model may look like

Source: http://indianautosblog.com/2013/07/d...endering-84993

[AyAn!]

It seems like the K2 is going to spawn a compact sedan of sorts in the near future, which doesn't come as a surprise. Found these images here:http://www.carwp.com.br/2013/04/2014...san-micra.html

Not sure what they're talking about, but it seems like they're claiming that the K2 sedan might just share its underpinnings with the Russian built Lada Granta sedan, built in collaboration with Renault. If that's true, there should definitely be a deep association between the K2 hatch and the Lada Kalina hatch, on which the Granta is based on. Are we missing something here?

[rajshenoy]

Awesome rendering by SRK it looks as close to reality. But i still feel it will be more similar to current Micra active to save costs

That sedan does not look sub-4m to me. It looks like more of a full sized compact sedan like Toyota Etios/Chevy sail

[.anshuman]

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[.anshuman]

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Source for Interior pics: http://www.datsun.com/

[.anshuman]

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[.anshuman]

High Points:

• Nissan has revived the Datsun brand for India, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia.
• Mr.Carlos Ghosn, CEO and President of Nissan Motor co. ltd. unveiled their first car- GO, at Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon.
• Its a part of Nissan Power 88 mid-term business plan.
• The brand will make its debut with the car 'GO'.
• GO will be priced below Rs.4 Lakh.
• GO will come to India in first quarter of 2014.
• 1.2 Litre Petrol Engine mated to a Manual transmission will be the only option on offer.
• GO will be offered with a mobile docking station, to enable the buyers to use their Smartphones and Music devices.
• GO will be a spacious 5 seater.
• With 3785mm, it is around as long as Figo, it is longer than i10 and Ritz but shorter than Swift.
• At 1635mm width its wider than i10, Ritz but narrower than Swift, close to Figo.
• Height of 1485mm is lower than Ritz, i10 and Swift.
• Wheelbase=2450mm
• Models will be developed for Individual markets.
• Competitive cost of ownership seems to be the main highlight for GO.
• Datsun brand was phased out in 1981 from Global Markets.

[rlvl]

The Datsun launch is ongoing now. You can catch it at http://www.24framesdigital.com/nissa...ows/video.html

The Car is now called the Datsun Go.

[volkman10]

Datsun announces an target price, < INR 4 lakhs - starting early 2014 launch.
Datsun to offer 10 new models by 2016. Targetting the mid class, offering a reliable product.

Fully engineered in India - All new Datsun Go! is the new 5 door hatchback.
1.2l engine/MT with mobile docking station.





Cheers!

[suhaas307]

Any leads on the speculated front 'bench' seat and column-mounted shifter? Or were they merely rumors?

[creative420]

It just looks like a refresh Micra/Pulse in terms of height and width. Can't comment about the interiors as of now. And if it does come with a front bench seat, it'll be a good news for taxiwallahs!

[zalaps]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Any leads on the speculated front 'bench' seat and column-mounted shifter? Or were they merely rumors?

Watched full launch event. Carlos was stretching on roominess of car. So there are possibilities. They revolved car on stage, but it was difficult to mark seats from web cast. Did we had Tbhp representation at event?

[RM Motorsports]

The New Datsun GO