Datsun redi-Go to get new engine, target "pre-family buyers" - IAB Report

Redi-Go will mark an evolution in Datsun design language.

Datsun's third launch for India will be conducted within 8 months, IndianAutosBlog.com has learned. Previewed by the Datsun redi-Go concept at the Auto Expo 2014, the 'Datsun I2' will be launched with an expectation to sail Nissan's budget brand successfully into the lowest car segment of India. Like the Go, the company will preview the product to the media, possibly by the year-end, and release preliminary details.

Targeting "pre-family buyers," the redi-Go would be "aggressive and dynamic" one Nissan official told IAB. The car would have no resemblance to the Renault Kwid, though it shares its CMF-A platform. About 20 percent of Nissan's overall sales in India, is expected from this car in the long-run.

The production redi-Go would look "almost the same" as the concept, and is intended for customers upgrading from scooters and motorcycles. Datsun will launch a new engine for the car (and not use the Kwid's 0.8-liter three-cylinder unit), and initially available with a manual gearbox. The car's dashboard would also be original, IAB learns.

IAB understands that the breakaway design of the redi-Go is deliberate, and design cues from it would influence the Go and Go+ during their mid-cycle facelifts, and future launches. A diesel engine is ruled out as customers are not ready to pay the premium for it in the 'sub-4 lakh rupees' segment. The redi-Go is expected to be priced between INR 2-3 lakhs, and target the Hyundai Eon, Maruti Alto 800 and Tata Nano variants.