Datsun bounces back in Sri Lanka after a 60-year absence
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After gap of more than half a century, Datsun – once Sri Lanka’s best known car – is bouncing back into the country.
The return of this once, popular brand comes with the latest addition to its model lineup, the all-new Datsun redi-GO, a vehicle developed for the middle class and youths ‘bubbling with aspirations ready to take the next step in their lives’, officials said.
The Datsun brand known in Sri Lanka since 1957 re-introduced the new redi-GO entry-level hatchback a couple of months ago regaining popularity in the local small car market (below 1000 cc) in a big way, a top official of the Japanese car-maker’s Sri Lankan partner said.
The redi-GO car bearing the Datsun badge has attracted the attention of local vehicle buyers and since its re-launch gained the number three position in the small car segment through the dealer network of Nissan’s long-time partner in Sri Lanka, Associated Motorways (Private) Ltd. (AMW), Managing Director of AMW Group Samantha Rajapaksa told the Business Times.
400 new Datsun redi-GO cars are now running on local roads, he said adding that the company is giving an exclusive manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years / 100,000 km and at a competitive introductory price to all its customers. The car features electronic power steering, front airbag and much more. The car has a best-in-segment ground clearance of 185mm.
The vehicle combines the roominess, best-in-class ground clearance (185 mm) and sheer fun of a crossover combined with the zippy driving and fuel efficiency of an affordable compact hatchback, Mr. Rajapaksa said. Datsun Redi-GO is built in India at company’s Oragadam facility, near Chennai, where it was launched in early June 2016. Currently, Sri Lanka is Datsun’s 13th global market and joins others, including India, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Lebanon and South Africa.
Datsun redi-GO is 1,635 mm wide, 1,485 mm tall and 3,785 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm, shared with the Micra. The cabin has been designed to make the best use of available space. There’s no transmission tunnel and the gear shifter is on the dash, like with a van, which means the two front seats are connected.