The Datsun GO Cross could make it to the market faster than the Redi-GO with a faster development period and is likely to hit the market in early 2016 with an Auto Expo launch possible.
Datsun showcased the very interesting GO-Cross concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last month, which will find many takers in India given its rugged looks. Essentially a GO+ with a raised ride height, the GO-Cross will be positioned as a compact crossover priced at a slight premium over the MPV derivative. While Datsun already has the Redi-GO small car lined up for launch, news now comes in stating that the production ready GO-Cross could make it to the market earlier than expected.
Compared to the Redi-GO which is based on the new CMF-A platform, the Datsun GO-Cross shares its underpinnings with the GO+ compact MPV. This is one of the major reasons as to why the automaker is considering a faster turnaround time for the rugged concept. Compared to the Redi-GO that is expected to hit the domestic market by mid-2016, the production spec Datsun GO-Cross is likely to be launched in early 2016, possibly at the Auto Expo.
The news report also suggests that Datsun will be offering two versions of the GO-Cross namely a 5-seater and a 7-seater similar to the GO and GO+ models. In terms of design, the GO-Cross has its heart in the right place with the rugged black body cladding, brawny looking bumpers with a faux diffuser, roof rails and raised height making it look good. You can expect the production version to look a lot similar, albeit in a toned down fashion. Under the hood, the same 1.2-litre motor from the GO range will power the GO-Cross as well, tuned to churn out 68 PS.
While the Datsun GO-Cross will add some excitement to the GO range, the volumes puller will be the Redi-GO concept that will be the entry-level model for the brand and shares its underpinnings with the Renault Kwid. The Redi-GO will be getting a completely different design language while power will come from that new 800cc motor here as well. Given the extensive localisation capabilities at the Renault-Nissan plant, the Redi-GO is expected to be aggressively priced, possibly undercutting the Kwid as well.
Source – FinancialExpress.com
