Datsun Go+ – Based on the chic looking Datsun Go hatchback, the Go+ MPV variant will hit showrooms in India on 15th January 2015. Latter is figuratively just an extruded version of the A-segment small car, with an extra row of seat at the back apparently for namesake.
From exterior elements to interior styling and even features on brochure, Datsun Go+ MPV is identical to the smaller sibling. This means price would be as convincing as the Go hatchback, which is expected to be the USP.
Datsun Go+ MPV is targeted at smaller families who are on a budget yet do not mind expenses of weekend trips with a big picnic pack at the back. It will open up a new segment sitting just below compact MPVs, and thus it will rival the bigger people movers as, as said above, those who may need a big car occasionally but do not have the necessity to spend on the car much, would be pleased with this offering. Some B-segment hatchbacks may also be threatened.
Only drawback is lack of diesel engine for an MPV, but given the kind of audience Datsun is targeting, it wouldn’t be much of a worry. Read our review of Datsun Go+ MPV here.
Renault Lodgy – This is a popular and proven formula. Work hard on making a car a success, wait for it to spread its roots and earn market trust, and make derivatives which will carryover the engineering reliability as well as brand value.
Renault Lodgy is an MPV based on Duster compact crossover’s platform, that also takes the liberty of borrowing most of interior components, features, and the like, that will effect serious cost saving. Even engine options will be carried over from Duster, most likely limited to the 85 PS version of Renault’s famous 1.5 litre K9K diesel engine. It will be mated to 5-speed manual transmission just like in the Duster SUV.
Expect price range of Rs. 7 to Rs. 9 lakhs for Renault Lodgy MPV, thus competing with Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio, Toyota Innova (entry model) and the like.
Spy shot copyright: Motor Vikatan.Renault XBA – Prototype of codename XBA small car has already started plying and spy shots have revealed that it is most likely going to be positioned as a premium A-segment hatchback. Because, for a Maruti Alto rival, the car looks pretty large. Underpinned by the versatile CMFA platform, Renault XBA hatchback has a crossover appeal, which indicates roomy cabin and solid dynamics.
Engine for the car is also an exciting feature. Codenamed BR-8, the motor is a petrol feeding all-new three cylinder, 800cc unit, making its debut in the XBA. The engine gets twin cam shaft and four valves per cylinder, which makes it one sophisticated piece of work for a unit of this displacement.
Also Read – Upcoming Hyundai cars in India in 2015.
In future variants of Renault XBA, a bigger BR-10 1.0 litre power house is expected, to rival the likes of Maruti Alto K10, Hyundai Eon Kappa (1.0 litre) and Datsun Go.
Another talking point is that the BR-8 engine will be offered with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), to draw customers away from newly launched Alto K10 AGS (Auto Gear Shift). Expect the small car to break cover in first half of 2015.
Datsun redi-Go – Unveiled at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo as redi-Go micro-crossover concept, the model is expected to enter production this year. It will be positioned below Datsun Go hatchback which was launched early last year, to rival entry level A-segment hatchbacks.
Also Read – Upcoming Mahindra cars / SUVs in India in 2015.
Datsun redi-Go features the company’s customary front fascia with signature front grille; but poses in a rather rugged manner unlike hatchbacks of its expected price range. It has crossover style raised ground clearance, and subtle lower body cladding vastly for cosmetic purposes. Wheelbase of 2,350 mm is very close to Alto K10’s, but alloy wheel size is 15-inch, which indicates superiority in dynamics, apart from obvious ground clearance bump.
Datsun redi-Go would actually create a segment of its own, judging from the looks and hints.
