Datsun launches new on-Do sedan

Datsun’s re-introduction to the world took place right here in India with the legendary Japanese brand showcasing a no-nonsense hatchback, the Go. A few months ago, the Go+ MPV broke cover to high praise over a simple design and phenomenal packaging and space. Now, Datsun is back with its third strike, the all-new Datsun on-Do sedan.

Launched in Russia, the Datsun on-Do will give Russia’s booming lower middle classes a chance to own a modern car with bulletproof Japanese reliability. Co-incidentally, Datsun, in Russia for the first time ever is also celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year. Launching the Datsun brand in Russia is also an important milestone as it will be the first market with Datsun, Nissan and Infinity all present together.

The Datsun on-Do is a conventional five seater, four door, family sedan that uses Datsun’s new design philosophy to the T. The distinctive Datsun grille and edgy headlamps give the on-Do a modern and aggressive look while the well crafted front bumpers add a sense of sportiness. The rear design though could have been much better implemented. With a slightly droopy boot and a rather plain set of taillamps, the on-Do does tend to disappoint.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Speaking on the occasion, Vincent Cobee, Corporate vice president and Global Head of Datsun said, “In markets where Datsun has been introduced so far, the brand represents modern, attractive, practical and reliable new cars as symbols of freedom and of a newly-found status. The Datsun models are new, no-compromise designs that bring modern levels of engineering, styling and ability within the reach of a new generation of car buyers.”

The Datsun on-Do will be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 88PS and a five speed manual gearbox. In Russia, the on-Do is priced at Roubles 4,00,000, approximately Rs 6.75 lakh. If Datsun decides to bring the on-Do to India, we expect the Indian version on the to be priced significantly cheaper so as to undercut the likes of the Toyota Etios, the Suzuki Dzire and the newly launched Hyundai Xcent. We expect the Datsun on-Do’s indianised version to debut sometime late-2014 or early-2015. Along with the Go and Go+, the on-Do is the third car to be built on the same platform. Datsun also showcased a mini-SUV at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo based on the same platform which will most likely be the final car based on the same platform.