Datsun redi-Go aims to emulate the success of Renault Kwid in India

Nissan's low-cost brand Datsun is all set to launch the redi-Go hatchback in the first week of June in India. Unlike the previous two models of Datsun, the Go hatchback and the Go+ MPV, the company is banking heavily on the redi-Go and is expecting success similar to what the Kwid managed for Renault India.

There two reason for this. Datsun's previous models were not that successful in terms sales. "We started (Datsun) two years ago... That's not such a long time. I think, to be clear today, Datsun is very successful in Indonesia, moderately successful in India," Nissan Chief Executive and President Carlos Ghosn was quoted as saying by ET Auto. Hence, with the redi-Go, Datsun is expecting to turn around its sales numbers. It is clear that Datsun wants the redi-Go to be the bread-and-butter model in India in the shortest possible time.

The second reason for Datsun's high hopes from the redi-Go is the car is similar to Renault Kwid in many aspects. The cars feature an identical platform, engine and specifications and fuel efficiency. Datsun also announced the redi-Go would be priced in the range of Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh, which is also similar to the price of the Kwid. The Kwid currently has over 1.25 lakh bookings, and has become the bestselling car for Renault India. With the same features in place, Datsun is also expecting a surge in sales with the redi-Go.

Initial reports indicate Datsun is on the right track. The company opened bookings for the redi-Go on May 1, and it was reported over 150 bookings received from a Mumbai dealership alone. Datsun's dealership network is not as vast as that of rivals such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. This seems to be a major bottleneck for the redi-Go.