Datsun sketches released, brand relaunch announced

While the first sketch shows a small five-door hatchback, believed to be based on the Nissan Micra, the second highlights only the car’s front end, hinting at the possibility of a sedan variant.

Datsun, a derivative of the Nissan, plans to first launch its future model into India in 2014, before expanding into Indonesia and Russia the same year and South Africa the year following.

Datsun says while models will be individually developed for different markets, the locally developed and produced cars will follow a “common inspiration” of offering “up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets an engaging driving experience, peace of mind ownership and accessibility at the right and transparent price with a competitive total cost of ownership”.

“The 21st century Datsun will deliver a rewarding brand experience with no compromise in terms of accessibility, reliability and durability,” a release from the brand said.

Nissan announced the return of the Datsun brand in March 2012.

Taken over by Nissan in 1933, Datsun can trace its Japanese roots back to 1914 when it went by the name DAT-GO.

Datsuns were sold in Australia throughout the 1960s and 1970s before the brand was discontinued globally in 1981 as part of a unification with Nissan.