In the recent years, the African national has been relying mostly on India for its compact car needs. The Datsun Go which was unveiled in South Africa will be the next made-in-India car to enter the market.
The Nissan owned budget brand had been the leading auto brand in South Africa in the '70s and the company is looking to recreate history, after a sabbatical of nearly three decades. Datsun will have a similar market positioning as in India, targeting young middle-class population.
The SA-bound Go would be powered by the same 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine that delivers 68 PS and 104 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox handles the transmission duty. The hatchback returns an ARAI certified fuel economy of 20.63 km/l.
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Datsun has announced that sales in South Africa would commence by the end of this year though 30 outlets (would be doubled in the mid-term). The Nissan Micra-based hatchback will carry a price tag less than R100,000 (around Rs. 5.51 lakhs), undercutting its rivals. The Go will lock horns with fellow India-made hatchbacks such as Honda Brio, Ford Figo and Tata Vista.
In a related developments, the made-in-India Suzuki Ertiga has just been launched in South Africa.
Datsun Go unveiled in South Africa - Press Release
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