India’s compact car market is already packed with lots of cars competing for survival. Maruti Suzuki is dominating this segment for decades now. But, many automobile companies sees more growth potential in this segment, that is why they are preparing to launch more small cars in this segment in upcoming years. Nissan Motor India is one of them. The company which has tasted success in India with Nissan Micra is planning two new small cars to its product portfolio to tap into the demand for small cars in the India the next 3 years, according to AutocarIndia.
The first model (code: K2) will be built on a two-generation old Micra platform (code: K11) but will get a new ‘top-hat’ or all new body and interiors. The K2 which is due for launch in December 2012 is aimed at the Wagon R and A-star and will be priced competitively at around Rs 3.5 lakh. Engine options are likely to be the same 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol motor that powers the Micra although a highly fuel-efficient 1-litre engine is also being considered.
Nissan’s upcoming I2 is expected to lock horns with Maruti Suzuki Alto, which is now the World’s No.1 small car. I2 is developed by Defiance Testing & Engineering, a company based in the U.S. and acquired by Ashok Leyland (AL) in 2007. It has to be noted that Ashok Leyland & Nissan have forged a joint venture to develop small car and now we know that it is I2.
We can expect AL to develop the I2 with major engineering work carried out in the homeland so as to keep the development cost down. As the I2 will target Maruti Alto customers, expect this car to be priced around Rs. 2.5 lakh and could be launched in 2013.
Nissan also has a JV with Bajaj and a low cost car will be born out of this. Generally known as the Ultra-Low cost car or ULC, we are yet to know if Nissan will include this car under its product portfolio. But, even without including the ULC, the Japanese carmaker is planning well ahead to enter the mass market with its Micra, K2 and I2. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors, better watch out!