We recently informed you that Datsun India will launch an all-new compact SUV in the first quarter of 2019. The new SUV will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-A platform that will also underpin the Renault’s upcoming MPV. The new SUV is most likely to share styling cues from GO Cross concept, which was previewed at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.
It will sit below 4 meter in length and will rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon. However, the new SUV will carry an aggressive price tag and is likely to be cheaper than its direct rival. For people not in the know, Renault is also working on a sub-4 meter SUV based on the CMF-A platform. However, this platform will be modified for better structural integrity.
The new mini SUV will come with crossover-ish design, similar to the GO Cross concept. Adding to it, the vehicle would receive several tech features including a touchscreen infotainment system with connected apps. It is expected to come in petrol only version, as demand for oil burner is continuously shrinking in our market. The SUV will receive the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that also powers the RediGO Hatchback. This engine produces 67bhp and 91Nm of torque.
Datsun Cross images
Datsun will add a new turbocharger to boost up the power and torque figures of this engine. Both manual and AMT (automated manual transmission) options are likely to be on offer. The concept showcased at the Auto Expo previewed a 7-seater crossover. However, the production-spec model is likely to come with 5-seat layout.
Not just sub-4 meter SUV, Nissan is also aiming at a 5-seater premium SUV category. The Japanese carmaker has already confirmed that the Nissan Kicks compact SUV will go on sale in India before the end of this financial year. Already on sale in select international markets, the Kicks is based on Nissan’s V-platform. However, the India-spec model will use the heavily localised Duster’s MO platform.
Besides this, Nissan will also launch the Leaf electric car in India. Moreover, the company is also considering the Note e-Power hatchback. Media reports suggest that Nissan is also planning to locally develop this car for domestic as well as export markets. Datsun will also launch the facelifted versions of GO and GO+ MPV in India this year.
