Datsun Teases First Model In Reborn Range For Developing Markets

Nissan has released a full new teaser image for the first model in its reborn Datsun line-up, ahead of its New Delhi debut next month. 

Fans hoping for a production take on the 2008 Datsun XLink sports concept will be disappointed however, with the new Datsun brand destined to fill a low-budget slot in the growing Indian market. 

Predictably then, the first model off the line will be a small five-door hatch that will take on popular offerings from Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Hyundai, Tata and others. 

The new model, known internally as K2, is believed to share much of its underpinnings with the Nissan Micra, but with an even greater focus on low-cost production and affordability. 

The car will be built at Russia's AutoVaz plant, but Datsun boss Vincent Cobee says development of the new model has been led by Nissan's own engineers and designers. 

Power for the new Datsun is expected to come from the same 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine offered with the Nissan Micra.

Datsun hopes to attract the Indian middle class with price tags of between $AU3-5000, depending on equipment levels.

While India will be the first to see the new brand in showrooms, other key markets for the budget brand include Russia, South Africa and Indonesia.

Further Datsun models will be revealed over the next year, but the carmaker has no plans at this stage to re-enter the Australian market.