Datsun redi-Go (Datsun 'I2') pre-production model to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2016 - Report

Will share engine and platform with the Renault Kwid.

At the world premiere of the Renault Kwid, which took place in Chennai, India this week, Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman Carlos Ghosn confirmed that the third Datsun model for India will launch in 2016. Mr. Ghosn confirmed that it will be based on the same CMF-A (Common Modular Family) platform as the Kwid, but will not be a cross-badged product, in that it will look completely different.

ZigWheels reports that Datsun will show the pre-production model of the small car (codenamed Datsun I2) at the Auto Expo 2016 scheduled to take place in February 2016. At the last edition of the show (Auto Expo 2014), Datsun revealed the redi-Go concept hinting at the dimensions and possible design of its entry-level offering.

The redi-Go will also share its engine with the Renault Kwid, which will be powered by a newly-developed 800 cc three-cylinder petrol engine initially. Gerard Detourbet, Alliance Global Vice President, Alliance A-Segment Development Unit, said that this engine is a "very simple engine" devoid of modern technologies, but is claimed to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency.

Also read: Datsun Go to get airbag, ABS and stronger body shell

Similar to the Kwid, the Datsun too will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with an automated manual transmission (AMT) joining the line-up at a later stage. With a three-car line-up in its Datsun family, Nissan India expects over 50 percent of its sales to come from the Datsun brand.

Rivals: Chevrolet Spark, Renault Kwid, Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon
Expected Price Range: INR 3-4 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Tentative Launch date: Pre-production showcase in February 2016

[Source - ZigWheels]