Nissan Datsun Go to take on Alto and Eon

Maruti Suzuki’s best-seller Alto is set to face a challenge from Japanese compatriot Datsun’s entry small car ‘Go’ that is likely to be priced close to the Rs 3 lakh mark. 
The Go, which debuts on March 19, will be the first car from Datsun, a brand that is being revived by Japan’s Nissan after nearly 30 years to make low-cost cars for emerging markets. 
Sources said that Go is eyeing the Alto market where Hyundai also has a presence with Eon. The entry small car market holds a substantial number of volumes and accounts for nearly one-third of car sales in India. It is dominated by the Maruti Alto (that has Alto 800cc and Alto K10, 1000cc variants). Apart from the Eon, other models selling here include GM’s Spark and the muchcheaper Tata’s Nano, though both account for relatively lower number of volumes. 
Nissan plans to position the Datsun brand vehicles in the entry and affordable segment to be volume churners. 
The Go, sporting a 1,200cc petrol engine, is built on the platform of the Nissan Micra. In terms of exterior design and looks, it carries a relatively better-looking design, though the interiors of the car are somewhat basic with efforts to cut costs. 
Nissan officials said the company has made all the efforts to develop the Go with as much Indian content as possible to control costs, though the engine of the car is still imported. 
The cost-cutting measures on the car include a single wiper, glove boxes without cover and absence of power windows in the rear. Even the top-end of the car will not come with safety features like ABS and air bags, though they may be offered later as an option.

News Source: Times of India