Datsun Chooses the "Go" After Indian Market

Nissan just uncovered the first nameplate to be sold under its resurrected Datsun brand: the Go.

Datsun is aiming at clients upgrading from a motorcycle or used vehicle with the low-cost 5-seat model priced at $6,700.

A 1.2-liter 4-cylinder motor paired to a 5-speed manual transmission powers the vehicle, which is just over 149 inches long. That means the Go is actually bigger than sub-compact vehicles delivered in North America. For instance, it measures about 10 inches longer than a Fiat 500 or 4.3 inches past a Chevrolet Spark.

That makes sense considering it’s meant to contain up to 5 passengers. Nissan plans to take 10 % of the Indian auto-market by 2016. But the brand wouldn’t be able to reach that without products to target India’s low-cost vehicle segment, which accounts for 40 % of its customers.

Ghosn announced resurrection was easier than launching a new brand. Still, the automaker will need to overcome a lack of recognition for the name in its fresh market.