Nissan’s new low-cost Datsun will share some of the platform features of the Nissan Micra, but it will be a completely different car with a fresh design.
Talking to India’s Business Line at the Geneva Motor Show, design chief Shiro Nakamura said the new Datsun, which will be unveiled later this year, will also be less expensive. “But, we don’t want to create anything that looks and feels cheap. We have to give it the right high quality look. But it won’t be as emotional as some of the Nissan models.”
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Nakamura added that the Datsun will represent modernity, but importantly high quality and longevity. “The historical strength of the Datsun brand is that it is very robust and durable. Durable in the sense of not just mechanical durability, but also design durability. So, it is not necessary for the brand to be very trendy or it to be perceived to be too focused on design.”
Nakamura, however, pointed out that the plan is to keep it unique and focused on the brand’s perceived USPs and so it will not be a bare bones version of an existing Nissan model.
Nissan plans to launch Datsun in India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa as an international brand with cars that focus on local requirements.
Nakamura added: “It is becoming clear that even mature markets can appreciate cars that are focused on practicality and less on emotional design.”
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