Nissan and Datsun cars have been in the inventory, and have been finding it difficult to move out of showrooms. The brand is now planning to introduce CVT gearboxes in the Nissan Kicks, Datsun Go & Datsun Go+ models. All these cars are expected to get the CVT automatic option by or before the end of 2019. The Kicks, Go & Go+ at the moment are being sold only with a manual gearbox.
All cars are positioned in the high volume segment going by the price, but fail to generate good volumes. The automatic variants are expected to boost sales, if priced competitively. Also, in the case of Go & Go+, the CVT automatic will prove superior compared to competition cars which come with an AMT automatic gearbox.
The Nissan Kicks rivals the likes of Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, Tata Harrier and the upcoming Kia Seltos. Powering the Kicks is a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol which produces 106 PS of power and 142 Nm of torque matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine is a 1.5L unit producing 110 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Of course, the new CVT option will be offered with the Kicks petrol.
The Datsun siblings, the Go & Go+ are powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol motor producing 68 PS of power and 104 Nm of torque matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Go & Go+ slot in the A & B1 segment going by the price, and face fierce competition from brands like Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki who have huge mass market acceptance.
Moving up the ladder, Nissan is also gearing up to launch the Leaf in India. This would be a halo product, just like the GT-R and will be launched hopefully at the 2020 Auto Expo. The Nissan Leaf will rival the likes of Hyundai Kona, keeping space in comparison. Apart from this, Nissan has no other product up its sleeve and times look difficult also keeping in mind the industry slowdown.