New Datsun hatchback sketched

Renault Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn announced in March 2012 that Datsun will be revived in the form of a new low-cost sub-brand to target the burgeoning Russian, Indonesian, South African and Indian markets in 2014.

Then in May this year Autocar India reported that Nissan plans to sell up to 200,000 Datsun-badged vehicles annually in India, where a no-frills hatchback costing as little as $5500 will compete with the Hyundai i10 and Maruti (Suzuki) Alto.

Now the company has released the first rendering of the first product that will wear the new-age Datsun badge, a five-door hatch codenamed K2 that goes on sale next year in the four emerging markets.

Boosting economies of scale, the K2 is powered by the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine found in the Micra, and the Datsun also sources its platform hardware from the current and previous-gen Micra.

With pricing expected to start under $6000, the K2 will be pitched at India’s growing middle class, accompanied by the slogan ‘Dream, Access, Trust’.

The actual vehicle will be revealed on July 15 at New Delhi’s upmarket Kingdom of Dreams resort, and Mr Ghosn will be on hand to reintroduce the brand to the world.

The K2 is expected to be the first of a family of new Datsun models, each conceived with attributes tailored to the countries where they will be offered for sale.

Nissan claims the core strength of the Datsun brand, which was phased out in 1981 before being replaced globally by Nissan, will include low ownership costs and an engaging driving experience.

“Datsun will bring competitive products and services, modern and aspirational, while at the same time reassuring, providing superior value and specifically developed for the emerging and ambitious new middle-class in high-growth markets,” said Datsun boss Vincent Cobee.

“The Datsun cars will be locally developed with the support of Nissan Motor Company engineers and stylists and will be locally produced.”

Going on the accompanying rendering, the K2’s Micra origins are evident, although the Datsun is distinguished by much edgier and sportier styling, most notably in its thrusting grille and chiselled flanks and bonnet.

All that remains to be seen now is whether the first 21st Century Datsun – a name that can trace its origins back to 1914 when it started out as Dat-Go (lightning-fast car) -- will stay true to the sketch. We’ll know the answer in just under two weeks.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…