Datsun Cross to be unveiled on January 18, 2018

Datsun has announced the official unveil of the production version of the Go Cross will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia on January 18, 2018. The manufacturer has also released a teaser image of the model before the unveil. Interestingly, the production version has been christened the ‘Cross’ and not ‘Go Cross’ like the concept that previewed the model was known as.

The sole official image revealed so far gives a clear look of the Cross’ frontal styling. There is plenty of carryover from the original concept with the kinked headlight and large fog lamp arrangement differentiating this model from all other Datsuns on sale. Further, body cladding and scuff plates visible in the photo should give the Cross a unique look. Also visible are LED daytime running lights and projector headlamps, the latter being a first for Datsun.

The image does not show the car in its entirety but spy images of the final product suggest the Cross will share most of its body panels and underpinnings with the Datsun Go+ which is also sold in India. In effect, the Cross will be more of a derivative of the Go+ rather than an all-new model. A leaked image that surfaced earlier showed the Cross’ rear three-quarter styling replete with black cladding all around with a silver finish on the lower portion of the bumper. It also gets a roof spoiler which adds some distinction to the rear end while this version’s roof rack is expected to carry up to 30kg of luggage.

The Cross is expected to share much of its cabin with other Datsuns though it will be a seven-seater like the Go+. There have been talks of an all-black interior with a slightly modified dashboard with provision for a touchscreen infotainment system.

In Indonesia, the Go Cross will be powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol engine developing 68hp and 104Nm of peak torque. The motor will come mated to a five-speed manual, as standard – although a CVT automatic will also be on offer as an optional extra. Braking duties are carried out by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS as standard, along with EBD and brake-assist.

In terms of equipment, the Cross will be offered with a manual AC, power windows with an auto up/down function, electrically adjustable wing mirrors (with manual folding) and a rear wiper. The previously leaked image also revealed that the model will come with rear parking sensors.

Datsun is expected to bring the model to India later this year, where it will rival the likes of cross-hatches like the Mahindra KUV100 NXT and Maruti CelerioX as well as compact SUVs like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata’s recently launched Nexon and the refreshed Ford EcoSport.