Datsun hatchback teased

The new Micra-based Datsun hatchback was developed for emerging markets.

These images are the first hint at the stylistic direction of the refreshed Nissan Datsun brand, which is set to be launched in India on July 15 as a production model.

Designed for the emerging markets of India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa, the budget hatchback will target the emerging middle class in those markets at a price below Nissan's existing offerings. 

Datsun's return was announced by Nissan last March and will follow the same formula as Renault's sister brand to promote the Dacia brand in Europe.

Based on the previous generation K12 Micra sublight hatch, the model shown in these sketches is codenamed K2 for now and appears to have replaced the Micra's soft ovoid shapes with a fresh and edgy design.

Datsun tailors the new model specifically to each individual market, keeping a close eye on price competitiveness. In the Indian market, the new Datsun will compete with the Hyundai i10, Maruti Ritz and Honda Brio.

The new model will hit showrooms in India in 2014 and then roll out to other markets. However, Australia is unlikely to be among them, as Datsun's attention is limited to such developing countries.

This reporter on Twitter: @ Mal_Flinn