The Datsun Go Cross was an anticipated addition to the Indian automotive market, promising a blend of affordability and crossover styling. While the Datsun brand is no longer active in India, the Go Cross concept gave us a glimpse into a potential future. Let’s delve into what we knew about the expected price, launch date speculations, technical specifications, mileage expectations, and key features of the Datsun Go Cross. This exploration will provide a retrospective understanding of a car that never quite made it to Indian roads.
Datsun Go Cross: An Overview
The Datsun Go Cross was intended to be a rugged-looking version of the Datsun Go+, offering a more adventurous appeal. It was designed to compete in the entry-level SUV/crossover segment. Its sporty design and practical features were targeted towards young buyers seeking a budget-friendly vehicle.
Expected Price and Launch Date in India
Rumors suggested that the Datsun Go Cross would be priced competitively, likely between INR 5.5 lakhs and INR 8 lakhs. This price point aimed to undercut rivals and attract budget-conscious buyers. The launch date was continuously speculated, with potential windows in 2019 and 2020 being discussed, but ultimately, the vehicle never officially launched in India.
Specifications and Performance
The Datsun Go Cross was expected to share its engine with the Datsun Go and Go+. This likely meant a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: Around 67 bhp
- Torque: Around 104 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (with possible AMT option)
- Fuel Efficiency: Expected to be around 20 kmpl
Key Features
The Go Cross was anticipated to offer a range of features to enhance its appeal. Some of the key features expected included:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Power windows
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
Comparison with Rivals (Hypothetical)
If the Datsun Go Cross had launched, it would have competed with cars like the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Renault Kwid. Here’s a hypothetical comparison based on expected features and price:
| Feature | Datsun Go Cross (Expected) | Maruti Suzuki Ignis | Renault Kwid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Expected) | INR 5.5 — 8 lakhs | INR 5.8 — 8.2 lakhs | INR 4.7 — 6.4 lakhs |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol | 0.8L/1.0L Petrol |
| Styling | Crossover | Hatchback | Hatchback (SUV-inspired) |
| Features | Good feature set for the price | More premium features available | Budget-friendly |
FAQ: Datsun Go Cross
Q: Why was the Datsun Go Cross never launched in India?
A: Datsun’s overall sales performance in India was below expectations, and the brand was eventually discontinued. This led to the cancellation of the Go Cross launch.
Q: What was the expected mileage of the Datsun Go Cross?
A: The expected mileage was around 20 kmpl, similar to the Datsun Go and Go+.
Q: What type of engine was the Datsun Go Cross supposed to have?
A: It was expected to be powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine.
Q: Was there an automatic transmission option expected?
A: There were rumors of a potential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option, but this was never confirmed.
Although the Datsun Go Cross never saw the light of day in the Indian market, its concept and anticipated features remain a point of interest. It represented an attempt to blend affordability with crossover styling, a formula that continues to be popular in the Indian automotive landscape. The car’s cancellation highlights the challenges faced by the Datsun brand in India. It’s a reminder that even promising concepts can sometimes remain just that – concepts. The Indian market continues to evolve, with new players and innovative designs constantly emerging. Perhaps one day, we will see a similar vehicle that successfully captures the essence of the Datsun Go Cross.
The Datsun Go Cross was an anticipated addition to the Indian automotive market, promising a blend of affordability and crossover styling. While the Datsun brand is no longer active in India, the Go Cross concept gave us a glimpse into a potential future. Let’s delve into what we knew about the expected price, launch date speculations, technical specifications, mileage expectations, and key features of the Datsun Go Cross. This exploration will provide a retrospective understanding of a car that never quite made it to Indian roads.
The Datsun Go Cross was intended to be a rugged-looking version of the Datsun Go+, offering a more adventurous appeal. It was designed to compete in the entry-level SUV/crossover segment. Its sporty design and practical features were targeted towards young buyers seeking a budget-friendly vehicle.
Rumors suggested that the Datsun Go Cross would be priced competitively, likely between INR 5.5 lakhs and INR 8 lakhs. This price point aimed to undercut rivals and attract budget-conscious buyers. The launch date was continuously speculated, with potential windows in 2019 and 2020 being discussed, but ultimately, the vehicle never officially launched in India.
The Datsun Go Cross was expected to share its engine with the Datsun Go and Go+. This likely meant a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: Around 67 bhp
- Torque: Around 104 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (with possible AMT option)
- Fuel Efficiency: Expected to be around 20 kmpl
The Go Cross was anticipated to offer a range of features to enhance its appeal. Some of the key features expected included:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Power windows
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
If the Datsun Go Cross had launched, it would have competed with cars like the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Renault Kwid. Here’s a hypothetical comparison based on expected features and price:
| Feature | Datsun Go Cross (Expected) | Maruti Suzuki Ignis | Renault Kwid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Expected) | INR 5.5 ⏤ 8 lakhs | INR 5.8 ⏤ 8.2 lakhs | INR 4.7 ⏤ 6.4 lakhs |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol | 0.8L/1.0L Petrol |
| Styling | Crossover | Hatchback | Hatchback (SUV-inspired) |
| Features | Good feature set for the price | More premium features available | Budget-friendly |
A: Datsun’s overall sales performance in India was below expectations, and the brand was eventually discontinued. This led to the cancellation of the Go Cross launch.
A: The expected mileage was around 20 kmpl, similar to the Datsun Go and Go+.
A: It was expected to be powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine.
A: There were rumors of a potential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option, but this was never confirmed.
Although the Datsun Go Cross never saw the light of day in the Indian market, its concept and anticipated features remain a point of interest. It represented an attempt to blend affordability with crossover styling, a formula that continues to be popular in the Indian automotive landscape. The car’s cancellation highlights the challenges faced by the Datsun brand in India. It’s a reminder that even promising concepts can sometimes remain just that – concepts. The Indian market continues to evolve, with new players and innovative designs constantly emerging. Perhaps one day, we will see a similar vehicle that successfully captures the essence of the Datsun Go Cross.
But hasn’t the automotive industry moved on significantly since the Go Cross was initially conceived? Could a similar concept, redesigned with modern technology, find success today? Wouldn’t a focus on electric powertrains and advanced safety features be crucial for any new budget crossover aiming to capture the Indian market? And what about the evolving consumer preferences ⏤ are buyers still prioritizing affordability above all else, or are they demanding more in terms of features, performance, and brand image? Is there truly a gap in the market for a rugged, budget-friendly crossover, or have other manufacturers already filled this niche? Shouldn’t we consider the impact of stricter emission norms and safety regulations on the feasibility of producing such a vehicle at a competitive price point? Could a re-imagined Go Cross, perhaps under a different brand, potentially disrupt the existing market dynamics? And finally, considering the current global economic climate, is it even the right time for a manufacturer to invest in developing an entirely new entry-level vehicle for a price-sensitive market like India?
