CarToq Exclusive – Nissan’s Compact SUV for India could be Datsun badged

CarToq has learnt that Nissan’s compact SUV for India to sit below the Terrano in terms of price and positioning could be badged a Datsun. With that, the 4.3 meters long Kick compact SUV concept that was showcased at the Sau Paulo Motor Show earlier this year, might not have an Indian future as its production version is deemed to be too expensive a vehicle to sit below the Terrano. Therefore, a new cut-price compact SUV is likely to be engineered by Nissan India to utilize the modified version of the V platform that Datsun cars such as the Go hatchback and Go+ MPV are underpinned upon.

The new compact SUV with the Datsun badging is likely to be the first vehicle bearing the low cost car badge to use a turbo diesel engine, in this case the tried-and-tested 1.5 liter K9K motor. On when this Datsun branded compact SUV will be introduced to India is a matter or conjecture, even as comment from Nissan’s regional top management, in this case their India, Africa and Middle East head, Mr. Takashi Hata, indicates that a 2016 timeline is likely for the new vehicle. The modified V platform that underpins the Go and Go+ will spawn various other body styles.

6 Upcoming Budget Cars for India in 2015

A compact sedan and compact sedan are two such body styles that are said to be under consideration for the Indian car market. Although Nissan has not really struck gold with the Go budget hatchback, the automaker has big plans for the Datsun brand. The Japanese car giant will continue to persist with the Datsun budget brand in markets such as India, Indonesia and South Africa, by introducing new vehicles in various segments. For the Indian car market, 2015 will see Datsun introducing the Go+ MPV and the RediGo low cost hatchback, which will be the least priced Datsun in the world.