Datsun unveils Russia-bound on-DO sedan

Nissan’s reborn Datsun division has lifted the veil off of a new sedan called on-DO at a private event held in Russia. The on-DO is based on the no-frills Lada Granta that was introduced in Russia in 2011.

Designed exclusively for the Russian market, Datsun’s latest sedan stretches 170 inches long, 67 inches wide and 59 inches tall, dimensions that make it roughly the same size as a Toyota Yaris sedan. The on-DO wears a look of its own up front thanks to an angular front fascia dominated by Datsun’s trademarked hexagonal grille, but the Lada genes are more pronounced at the back end of the car. Alloy wheels are offered on select models.

Staying true to its low-cost positioning, the on-DO packs a no-frills cockpit with just the bare minimum level of equipment and acres of hard plastics. Upmarket models can be ordered with power windows and a USB port, while all on-DOs regardless of trim level come standard with front airbags and ABS brakes.

The only engine offered is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit that sends 87 horsepower to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. At the time of writing Datsun is not planning on offering a diesel-burning mill.

Built in Lada’s Togliatti, Russia, factory, the Datsun on-DO will go on sale this summer with a base price of 400,00 Russian Rubles, a price tag that converts to roughly $11,300.