Auto Expo 2016: Datsun GO-Cross Concept Unveiled

Datsun has finally brought the much appreciated GO Cross concept to India at the 2016 Auto Expo. The car is set to be the flagship model for the Japanese carmaker and will mark Datsun's entry in the growing crossover segment. The Datsun GO Cross concept is based on the company's GO family that currently includes the GO hatchback and the Go+ MPV.

Datsun believes the GO-Cross is a symbol of its ambition. It sports a "dynamic and modern design to meet the needs and preferences of young and ambitious new age drivers".

Datsun GO Cross Concept was first unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, where Datsun described it as the brand's vision for possible expansion of the Datsun GO/GO+ family in high growth markets. The well designed rugged look and the stylish features of the GO Cross was seen as a huge leap for Datsun from its bland and unattractive GO products currently on offer.

In terms of looks and design, the Datsun GO Cross compact crossover features a distinctive front end with hexagonal radiator grille and sweptback LED headlights. The aggressive front bumper houses the LED fog lamps along with a beefy skid plate and a black, plastic underbody cladding. Other exterior additions that add to its crossover nature are curved wheel arches, sporty side skirts, sharp ORVMs, roof rails, and a massive rear diffuser.

Datsun GO-Cross

Inside, the Datsun GO Cross concept showcased at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo comes in 5-seater/7-seater option. (We also expect to see a 7-seater version of the Datsun GO-Cross in the near future as well like we saw in the Datsun GO+). Now we do not expect all these features to be present in the production version, especially considering Datsun's affordable pricing strategy. That being said the basic design cues of the GO Cross will be retained in the making of the production unit.

Under the hood the Datsun GO Cross concept comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. While the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is the same one that powers the GO hatchback and GO+ MPV, the 1.5-litr dCi oil burner is the one we have seen in the Nissan Micra.

The Datsun GO-Cross is expected to be launched in India in the latter half of 2017 and will lock horns with the likes of the Hyundai Active i20, Toyota Etios Cross and the Fiat Avventura. As mentioned earlier being the company's future flagship product, so it will be price above the GO+ MPV.