Nissan mulling entry-level Datsun sedan for India

Nissan is mulling the prospect of creating an entry level sedan, most likely to be badged as a Datsun, to take on Maruti’s Dzire and Toyota’s Etios. Not much is known of the Japanese automakers plans except that this low cost model could be based on the Micra.

After finally hitting pay dirt with the Micra and the Sunny, it seems that Nissan wants a slice of the low cost sedan pie.  It is expected that with this model will slot below the Nissan Sunny allowing the car to move to a higher segment and have more features.  

Some reports also suggest that the low cost car could be based on the Lada Granta which has been developed by the Russian automaker with help of Nissan’s global partner Renault. It is also likely that they will introduce a rebadged version of the Duster.

We already knew about Nissan’s plan to use badge engineering, to launch a compact SUV based on the Renault Duster. And a new entry-level sedan, preferably sub-four meter, will certainly help Nissan improve its position here.  

Speaking on the developments, Takayuki Ishida, managing director and CEO, Nissan India said "We are very interested in the SUV segment and have many options globally. But cost is important in India and hence the Duster platform is one of the options. An entry-level sedan is also a possibility...maybe based on the Micra."

 Source : Hindustan Times