Datsun Cross arriving in India in February after Indonesia debut
Japanese automaker Nissan's budget car brand Datsun is all set to unveil its "Cross", which is a compact SUV, at a global debut event on 18 January in Indonesia's Jakarta. The new crossover is expected to make its debut in India at the 2018 Auto Expo in February. It would be launched sometime later. Datsun even teased Cross with a new image. Here's more!
Upcoming crossover to be called Cross, not "Go Cross"
The teaser image indicated that the production model of Datsun's upcoming crossover, however, has been christened as the "Cross" as opposed to "Go Cross" - what its concept model was called when it was unveiled in 2014. Datsun unveiled Go Cross concept model in India at the 2014 Auto Expo. The production model is likely to be very much similar to its concept.
Datsun's third compact model
While announcing the Datsun Cross, Nissan Motor Indonesia's President Director Eiichi Koito said that the new car is a "new spirit" of the iconic brand. Datsun Cross is the third compact model that would be launched in Indonesia after Go hatchback and GO+ MPV.
Datsun Cross has stylish design, sophisticated features
Datsun Cross is reportedly based on the automaker's existing platform used in its Go series. It would share many features with Go+, including the seat layout; however, minor modifications have been incorporated. Eiichi Koito said Cross is a new-generation compact crossover that comes with modern design and sophisticated features. He added the crossover would be an appropriate partner for their new customers' lifestyle.
More of an upgraded Go+ rather than all-new model
Datsun Cross, with a "smart and compact body", would be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 68hp maximum power and 104Nm peak torque paired with a five-speed manual transmission like Datsun Go and Go+. The crossover would have standard safety features, including dual airbags, ABS (antilock braking system), EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), etc. Availability of features would depend on variant selection.
Datsun Cross to have a higher ground clearance
The teaser image of Datsun Cross reveals the front part of the car having aggressive headlamps that come with a projector beam, LED Daytime Running Lights, and large fog lamps. It also shows rugged side claddings; the car's ground clearance is also expected to be more than that of other Go models. It seems to have the style and design showcased in the concept.
What about the competition?
Datsun Cross is a compact SUV in the sub-4-meter car category like the Mahindra KUV 100. In India, it would compete with the likes of Mahindra KUV 100, Maruti CelerioX, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, and the upcoming Maruti YBA, too.
