Two fresh hatchbacks – Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Datsun Go, are slated for release at the Auto Expo 2014 event. The Celerio shall feature a new innovative technology called as the automated manual transmission. It is said that the hatchback shall allow the driver to shift gears without using clutch pedal, this would give the driver a feel as though they are driving a vehicle with automatic transmission. The Datsun brand which had been inactive for nearly 3 decades is now ready for a re-launch with the Go hatchback planned by Nissan. Both the manufacturers are of the view that the upcoming event shall provide with just the right platform for their respective launches.
It has been a known fact that cars featuring the automatic gearbox technology feature some drawbacks like lower fuel efficiency, and heavier overall body weight of the car. Things are about to be changed by the Maruti Suzuki Celerio that features an automated manual transmission technology. The car is stated to deliver a better fuel efficiency and does not add considerable weight on the car. Moreover, the new Celerio is reported to be 5 percent more efficient than a regular manual version car. Added to it, the absence of a clutch pedal makes the car even more interesting and comfortable to drive within the city where you may be stuck for hours in a stop-and-go traffic. Furthermore, the driver gets to shift gears in a fully automatic mode or sequentially. As per sources, the Celerio comes with a 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder K-series petrol engine that churns out amazing power output of 67 bhp at 90 Nm max torque.
As per reports, the Datson Go hatchback shall be powered by a 1.2 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, whereas a diesel version is anticipated to be launched at a later unreleased date. Sources have stated that series production of the first Datsun model for the local soil, the Datsun Go, would begin in India on the 4th of February at the Renault-Nissan joint venture Oragadam plant in Chennai. Other than Maruti Suzuki Celerio, the car is also expected to compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon.
Both the cars are newcomers to the Indian hatchback segment, hence giving out a strong verdict may be unjustified, things may get clear post the 2014 Expo Event in Delhi.
