We have already demonstrated (“Driving Region”, No. 18/2012) to the reader our vision of the future budget sedan under the working index NKD 2192. This time we present our forecast for the design of the Datsun hatchback …
Datsun go
Datsun go
Before talking about the VAZ "Japanese", let's take a look at the already famous Indian novelty - Datsun GO. As envisioned by the revitalization plan for the Datsun brand, it is built on a platform already locally mastered - the same one that underlies the well-known Nissan Micra model, manufactured at a plant in Oragadam, located near Chennai. Similarly, the upcoming Russian Datsun will also use a local platform - in this case, the Grant-Kalinov platform developed in Togliatti. Moreover, not just a platform will be used, but also the power structure of Lada Granta bodies for a sedan and Lada Kalina for a hatchback.
Datsun
The upcoming Russian Datsun will use the Grant-Kalin's platform The upcoming Russian Datsun will use the Grant-Kalin platform The upcoming Russian Datsun will use the Grant-Kalin platform
It is not surprising that in the guise of domestic Datsun the features of vazov models familiar to Russians can easily be seen. According to rumors, the Russian Datsun has even been assigned internal indexes classic for a twice-automobile factory - the VAZ-2195 hatchback and VAZ-2197 sedan. However, there are their Japanese "doubles" - Nissan LE1A and Nissan BE1A, respectively.
Datsun
In October last year, immediately after the alleged Datsun appeared on the network of drawings, we made the third attempt to portray the future bestseller of the domestic market. And judging by the violent reaction to this publication, Nissan’s representative got to the point (they didn’t react to previous attempts at all) In October last year, immediately after the drawings of the alleged Datsun appeared on the network, we made a third attempt to depict the future bestseller of the domestic market. And judging by the violent reaction to this publication, Nissan’s representative got to the point (they didn’t react to previous attempts at all) In October last year, immediately after the drawings of the alleged Datsun appeared on the network, we made a third attempt to depict the future bestseller of the domestic market. And, judging by the violent reaction to this publication, Nissan representatives got to the point (they did not react to previous attempts at all)
But, of course, the design of our Datsun will be completely different in order to distance itself as much as possible from the Togliatti “relatives”. Which one? Let's look again at the recently debuted Indian GO. And at the same time, on our drawing, almost a year ago, on which we presented how the Vazov budget sedan under the Datsun brand would look like. The similarity, as they say, is obvious. And the similarity is not only in the general style, but also in individual details, which once again indicates the accuracy of our forecast.
Datsun go
This time, our artist painted a hatchback, which will be based on Lada Kalina. But we did not limit ourselves to the alleged appearance of the novelty, but went even further - “looked inside” and modeled the interior of the future novelty. Immediately make a reservation that this is not just a “fantasy on a given topic”. The image is based on reliable information about the differences in interior design and equipment of Russian Datsun from VAZ ancestors. The difference, although not cardinal, but quite noticeable. Of course, in the process of fine-tuning the car and preparing it for production, some adjustments can still be made, but the interior design as a whole with a high degree of probability will remain exactly the way you see it in the illustrations.
Datsun
Datsun
The key design elements of the revived brand will be not only the hexagonal radiator lining, but also the distinctive stamping covering the rear emblem below, as well as the window sill line with broken ends., as well as a window sill with broken ends. The key design elements of the revived brand will be not only the hexagonal lining of the radio torus, but also a characteristic punching embracing the rear emblem from below, as well as a window sill with broken tips
And why did the Japanese need to use the VAZ base, since it has to be shaken up outside and inside? There is just no secret. The use of a ready-made, besides inexpensive and already mastered by the plant, “trolley” allowed to significantly reduce the cost of design and development work and preparation of production. And if so, it means that prices can be set quite affordable. The price was initially announced in the range of 300, 000-350, 000 rubles, but now they say that the Russian Datsun should cost no more than 400, 000 rubles. The latter is more like the truth. The main thing is that prices should not be adjusted again by the beginning of the release.
Now they say that Russian Datsun should cost no more than 400, 000 rubles
Another advantage of the local platform and vehicles based on it is a good adaptation to local operating conditions. With this, everything is just fine with the VAZ models. But the reverse side of this coin may be the low build quality, which the Togliatti Automobile Plant is famous for, and with it dubious reliability. So the biggest question is - did the Japanese get excited by actually handing the reputation of the resurrected brand into the hands of the VAZ owners? We will know the answer very soon.
Verdict
Victor Fomin, editor-in-chief:
