Datsun K2 To Feature Bench Seats Up Front

Updated: Monday, July 1, 2013, 10:29 [IST]

On July 15 when Nissan revive the Datsun brand it will aim at not being just another addition to the already jam packed hatchback market. Instead, we all have been told to expect a game changer, by Datsun in no uncertain terms. We already know, in general, that the new Nissan Micra based Datsun, code named K2, will be ‘modern' and will redefine style and quality in the compact hatchback segment. But it seems its not going to be all modern. To set it apart from the rest the people at Datsun will bring back something, which most of us have forgotten about now. That something is the bench seat in the front row, says ZigWheels.

Bench seats, last seen in classic Indian cars such as the HM Ambassador and Premier Padmini, disappeared as new cars such as the Maruti 800 made way for split bucket seats. Though some Ambassador owners still prefer to equip their vehicles with bench seats in the front, the trend has been abandoned altogether in news cars coming out of the production line.

The obvious advantage of Bench seats is the increased seating capacity. The average Indian family at whom the Datsun K2 will be targeted would prefer more seating area over relatively more ‘comfortable' bucket seats and Datsun will provide them that. Do not, however, imagine a Padmini style bench seat in your minds eye.

The one on the K2 will be more like a set of bucket seats set close together, without any gap in between. This will enable, say a child, to sit comfortably between the front occupants. At the same time, we'll still be able to recline or adjust the position of the front seats, something which is not possible with actual bench seats.

The gearshift lever will definitely have to be moved over to the dashboard, like in the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, to make more room for the legs. Also, we'll have to see how Datsun will tackle the safety issue.