Datsun and Renault small cars could share engines, parts

Nissan India will launch two low cost hatchbacks under the Datsun brand during 2014. While one car (code-named the K2) is expected to share parts with the previous generation Micra hatchback, the other (code-named the i2) could share parts with the upcoming Renault A-Entry hatchback. The i2 is expected to be priced under 3 lakh rupees, and will be Datsun's least priced car in the Indian car market, taking on the likes of the Maruti Alto and the Hyundai Eon. 

Note: Datsun K2 sketch used for illustrative purposes

According to a report on the WallStreetJournal, the Datsun i2 and the Renault A-Entry small car could share engines, along with other parts. Renault and Nissan will manufacture the new engine, one that could be a petrol unit displacing under 1 liter, in India. Currently, the Renault-Nissan alliance manufactures three engine line-ups in India: the 1.2 Liter HR12DE and 1.5 liter HR15DE petrol motors, and the 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel motor. These engines are available in various states of tune. 

The Datsun i2 and the Renault A-Entry will be built at Renault-Nissan's Oragadam factory, off Chennai. The i2 is expected to hit the market first, with its launch anticipated to happen in the second half of 2014. The Renault A-Entry seems primed for a 2015 debut. Renault has been mostly tight lipped about its small car plans, apart from divulging information that such a project is indeed in the works.

The Renault small car will sit under the badge engineered Pulse hatchback in terms of price and positioning. However, expect the Renault A-Entry to be more expensive than the Datsun i2. The Renault small car, like the Datsun range of low cost cars, could be adapted to be sold in many countries across the globe. Demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars is high across many emerging markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and Russia, South America, and Africa. 

After the Duster's runaway success in India, the A-Entry could be the new volumes gainer for Renault.  Until then, facelifts and refreshes of existing products such as the Duster, the Fluence sedan and the Koleos crossover will keep the French car maker busy. In between these facelifts, the 2014 Indian Auto Expo will see the unveiling of the Lodgy MPV.