The entry-level hatchback segment is
India’s favourite and the fiercest-fought, which accounts for 25 per cent of
the car market. This matured segment with entrenched market leaders is the
toughest to crack; yet new entrants see it as a strong category from an
opportunity point of view.
Customers are highly aspirational
and extremely cautious in this segment and increased affordability has driven
buyers to look for stylish design, modern features, better fuel efficiency and
good service.
Since most carmakers play it safe in
this segment, there hasn’t been much innovation in terms of design or features.
Industry leaders admit that the entry-level segment is not satisfying customer
demands any longer.
However, Datsun’s
soon-to-be-launched entry-level small car, the redi-GO, stands out from the
mundane and conventional styling of the econoboxes. The redi-GO concept was
showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and it reflected Datsun's key values of
modernity, quality and inventive-thinking.
Designed to capture the imagination
of India's young generation, the redi-GO is actually a crossover between
hatchback bodystyle and SUV. Short overhangs, crossover-style raised body, dynamic
rising twin character lines running from front to rear - all of them give a
strong presence to the car.
Modern headlights, narrow daytime
running lights and LED taillights breathe fresh air into the design. With a
wheelbase of 2,350 mm and high ground clearance, the redi-GO will offer ample
interior room and be able to cope with challenging Indian road conditions.
In a recent to visit to Datsun’s
Global Design Headquarters, I personally witnessed redi-Go’s design progress
and also met some of the top leaders of the company. The good news is that, by
all likelihood, the redi-GO production version will look almost the same as the
concept.
Commenting on the safety concerns
over Datsun products, the carmaker’s Global Head Mr Vincent Cobee said: “Datsun
GO and Datsun GO+ meet required local vehicle regulations in the countries
being sold. These models were developed with a strong intention to deliver
adapted solutions to the local conditions, from perfect braking performance and
good visibility to durability, seat comfort and reduced motion sickness – all
being taken as a package aiming to decrease potential risk of road accidents.
Now Datsun GO and Datsun GO+ are available with optional driver’s airbag in
India”.
While reserving his comments on the
safety features to be offered on the redi-GO, Mr Cobee asserted that the
company’s approach would be similar to what they are doing today.
Datsun will launch the redi-GO in
India by mid-2016, in a price bracket between Rs 3 to 4 lakh. When the company
says the production model will be almost similar to the concept car, one cannot
expect the gaudy concepts such as the swanky DRLs, flamboyant headlamps and
tessellated roof to make it to production. There’s no word yet on the features
or engine specifications, too. All we know is that the redi-GO won’t be offered
in a diesel or automatic variant.
However, as long as the design stays
true to the concept and Datsun manages to win their customer’s hearts with
safety and aftersales service, the Japanese carmaker is sure to secure a strong
foothold in India.
0 Comments