Nissan is going to launch Datsun compact SUV based on Redi-GO Concept which was revealed at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. This crossover SUV will be launched in India by May 2016. Though much information about the car has not been revealed, it is expected to be based on Datsun Go and Go+ platform. This compact SUV car will be powered by 1.2 litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, which will be paired to 5-speed transmission. It will have a kerb weight of around 760 kg.
Datsun Redi Go Test Drive Review
Alongside Go compact SUV, Nissan is also planning to launch its 7 seater Go+ MPV soon. It will also be based on current version of Datsun Go hatchback which is powered by a 1.2-litre engine which churns out 67 BHP of maximum power and 104 Nm of peak torque. It is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox with a fuel efficiency of 20.6 km/l. The dimensions of the Datsun Go hatchback are 3785 mm x 1635 mm x 1485 mm x 2450 mm (length, width, height and wheelbase respectively).
The Redi-Go Concept is code-named as Datsun I2. It is reportedly being manufactured at Nissan plant in Chennai, India so that the car can be developed at cheaper price with the help of domestic suppliers.
This sub-4 meter car, positioned as micro-SUV is expected to go on sales at a fairly competitive price and it will compete with Toyota Etios Cross, Ford EcoSport, and Volkswagen Polo Cross and upcoming Hyundai i20 crossover. Toyota Etios cross comes with 3 engine variants. The 1.2-litre petrol unit producing 79 BHP of power and 104 Nm of torque. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 89 BHP power and 132 Nm of torque. While the 1.4-litre engine produces 67 BHP power and 170 Nm of torque, all mated to five speed transmission.
While Ford EcoSport comes in two petrol and one diesel engine variant. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 123 PS power and 170Nm of torque and the 1.5 litre diesel engine produces 89 PS power and 204 Nm of torque.
Volkswagen Polo Cross comes with both diesel and petrol engines, 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 74 BHP pf power and 110 Nm and 1.2-litre engine produces 74 BHP of power and 180 Nm.
Nissan has been into news earlier this year as well when Datsun Go could not pass the safety test and Global NCAP confirmed Datsun Go as an unsafe car and prompted Nissan to remove it from the market. Though this did not have any impact on the development of the Nissan compact SUV car and it is thus, most likely to come with poor safety features. It will be priced between Go hatchback and Go+ MPV and is expected to come without standard safety equipment like air bags, EPS and ABS.
Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more on the upcoming Datsun Compact SUV.
