A look into Datsun’s possible future is revealed by a dramatic new concept being given its world premiere at the 12th Delhi Auto Expo 2014 – the Datsun redi-GO Concept. The name reflects the car’s character. It is ready to support potential customers to explore a new day, to challenge new things and to build a way ahead. It also expresses the excitement of “ready to go” before people start their day’s journey. Shiro Nakamura, SVP and Chief Creative Officer, said: “Although Datsun redi-GO Concept is just that – a concept – it shows clearly the way we are thinking. It’s an ambitious styling exploration but, being a Datsun, it is a logical design, too.”
Datsun redi-GO Concept builds on Datsun’s design language, being modern and distinctive, clear and robust, vigorous and positive. Combining five-door hatchback practicality with a rugged SUV stance, the Datsun redi-GO Concept previews a potential small crossover for the Indian market.
“When we were creating redi-GO Concept we had a few keywords in mind. We wanted a modern and characteristic design that, at the same time, appeared long lasting and substantial. We feel we have managed to combine these apparent contradictions in the concept,” said Koji Nagano, Executive Design Director, who leads the entire Datsun design project.
With its short overhangs and crossover-style raised body, the compact concept has dynamic rising twin character lines running from front to rear which create the solid and strong boned side profile to the car, emphasizing its agility and robustness.
The modern headlights incorporate distinctive, narrow daytime running lights while the rear LED taillights feature an idiosyncratic twist of light to give Datsun redi-GO Concept a unique visual signature when on the move. LED fog lights strips are fully integrated into the front bumper. The dynamic movement, strong shoulder line, the shapes of the side windows and the grille with gently curving corners framing a large central area echo the style to be introduced at all Datsun models, namely “D-cut grille.”
Fully integrated bumpers front and rear underscore Datsun redi-GO Concept’s robust design, which is accentuated by large wheel arches filled by stylish dark chrome 15-inch alloy wheels. The body is finished in a flamboyant lime green, an active and bold color reflecting the freshness. The lime green contrasts with matte aluminum-look grey finish for the sills, wheels arches, and bumper inserts reinforcing its crossover concept aspects. The roof is finished in matt black, patterned with a distinctive tessellated formation, showcasing a future personalization opportunity, and giving the impression that the windscreen extends over the cabin and finishes in an extended spoiler. With a wheelbase of 2,350 mm and high ground clearance Datsun redi-GO Concept offers ample interior space. Aimed at young risers the Datsun redi-GO Concept is seen as the perfect partner for people with an active lifestyle: stylish, smart and comfortable.
There are practical benefits of the crossover styling, too. The raised body and large wheel arches offer greater ground clearance allowing the car to cope better with challenging road surfaces, while the commanding driving position gives drivers an enhanced – and therefore safer – view over the traffic ahead. Although the concept remains a styling study at this stage, were it to be put into production it would be priced to target established compact hatchbacks delivering a compelling mix of modernity, quality and innovation.
