Datsun Go! Thoughts

New Datsun Go, Go+ for SA: Improved safety, design tweaks and more

Datsun has launched its next-generation Go and Go+ models in South Africa.

"Our new Datsun GO and GO+ represent a new experience for consumers. With its fresh looks, modern features and advanced technologies, the new Datsun vehicles are made for progressive, ambitious customers with a sense of style," said Nissan SA Marketing Director, Kabelo Rabotho.

With deep roots in South Africa as an established maker of precisely-engineered, reliable and competitively priced vehicles, Datsun is now focusing on manufacturing aspirational cars.

Nifty new features

The new Datsun GO and GO+ feature exterior and interior upgrades.

The GO and GO+ now have redesigned front grille and bumpers (front and rear) and 14" wheels. Both models are powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 50kW/104Nm paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Pricing and Spec

Trim level Price
GO Mid Spec R144 500
GO Lux Spec R165 500
GO+ 7-seater Mid R154 200
GO+ 7-seater Lux R175 900
GO+ Panel Van R155 200

Standard specification includes coloured electric side mirrors, reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers, central locking, an immobiliser, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and retractable seatbelts while the LUX grade benefits from daytime running lights, a rear wiper with washer and body colour door handles.

Inside, the models are fitted with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity (as standard during the launch period), Bluetooth and USB, a glove box lid, front and rear power windows, electric power steering, electrically adjustable mirrors, redesigned individual seats for the driver and front passenger. The LUX grade GO models have an independent tachometer and a silver finish on the aircon dial, vent and door handles.

The 7" touchscreen infotainment screen and aircon vents give the GO a sophisticated look and feel. Another key feature in this segment are Follow-Me-Home headlights - the timing can be set in intervals of 30 seconds to give you as much time as you might need.

Both models also have reverse parking sensors.

Modern tech and accessories

The suspension system, which features a double-pivot front arm enables greater agility while the tension from rough roads is absorbed by a high-response damper. This technology helps to keep the vehicle motion stable.

The front ventilated brake discs provide more consistent and effective braking and can extend brake-pad life by up to an impressive 27%. These discs, which are 22mm thick, also require less pedal effort to stop in normal city driving conditions.

The speed-sensitive electric steering calculates the amount of steering assistance required based on vehicle speed and steering behaviour to offer light steering effort at low speed, and firm steering effort at high speed.

The Datsun GO has a class-leading turning circle of 4.6m, perfect for city driving.

Customising your Datsun GO has never been easier as there are several new Datsun approved accessories ranging from 15” alloys to roof spoilers, and more.

Prices

The new Datsun GO and GO+ benefit from the impressive fuel efficiency of the 1.2-litre engine, which has a combined consumption of 5.2-litres per 100km to ensure that increases in the petrol price don’t put a damper on your driving pleasure.

These Datsun GO and GO+ models come with a standard 3-year or 100 000km warranty and an optional service plan. In addition, consumers will receive one-year insurance with the purchase of a GO or GO+. Transform your life today with a car that allows you to tackle life on your terms and in your own style.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModel...proved-safety-design-tweaks-and-more-20181115

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Datsun refreshes the GO and GO+

DATSUN HAS launched 'new' GO and GO+ models (although they might still look like the old cars from the outside). The company's aim is to provide personal mobility and freedom to go-getters looking for a means to achieve their dreams.

“Our new Datsun GO and GO+ represent a new experience for consumers. With its fresh looks, modern features and advanced technologies, the new Datsun vehicles are made for progressive, ambitious customers with a sense of style,” says Nissan South Africa Marketing Director, Kabelo Rabotho.

NEW FEATURES

The new Datsun GO and GO+ feature exterior and interior upgrades that aim to give the vehicles a sharper, more up-to-date appearance. To this end, the GO and GO+ now have a redesigned front grille and bumpers (front and rear) and 14-inch alloy wheels.

However, the new GO and GO+ models are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 50kW at 5000rpm and 104Nm at 4000rpm - paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

STANDARD specification includes colour-coded electric side mirrors, reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers (welcome to the 21st century), central locking, an immobiliser, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and retractable (thank goodness) seatbelts.

LUX models get added daytime running lights, a rear wiper with washer and body colour door handles.

Inside, the new GO and GO+ now boast Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity (as standard during the launch period), Bluetooth and a USB port, a glove box lid, front and rear power windows, electric power steering, and redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger.

The LUX grade GO models also have an independent tachometer and a silver finish on the aircon dial, vent and door handles.

PRICING AND OWNERSHIP

The new Datsun GO and GO+ models are said to offer impressive fuel efficiency with a claimed combined consumption of 5.2l/100km. A handy benefit considering the rising cost of fuel in SA. All models also come with a standard three-year/100 000km warranty and an optional Service Plan that can be bolted on to your offer to purchase. In addition, buyers will receive one year's worth of car insurance with the purchase of a GO or GO+.

PRICES

Datsun GO Mid Spec R144 500
Datsun GO Lux Spec R165 500
Datsun GO+ 7-seater Mid R154 200
Datsun GO+ 7-seater Lux R175 900
Datsun GO+ Panel Van R155 200

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/datsun-refreshes-the-go-and-go-18143627

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DRIVEN: Datsun Go 1,2 Lux

Nissan South Africa announced the relaunch of the Datsun brand some four years ago, kicking things off with the budget-beating Go hatchback (the seven-seater Go+ followed near the end of 2016). In pure sales terms, the local revival of the brand has proved a success within the still-competitive A-segment, with nearly 25 000 units registered in South Africa thus far.

Having touched down at an attractive R89 500 back in 2014, the Datsun Go hatch maintains its wallet-friendly position in this market with the mid-cycle facelift priced from R144 500 for the entry-level “Mid” to R165 500 for the range-topping “Lux” derivative driven here (small increases over the outgoing models). Of course, at this budget-conscious end of the market, price and standard specification play essential roles, with Datsun SA wisely choosing to add some safety kit alongside the aesthetic upgrades.

So, what’s different?

On the exterior of this Lux derivative, you’ll find a revised front facia, complete with vertically positioned LED daytime running lights fitted to its lower reaches. Round back, the redesigned bumper now houses parking sensors as standard. A new honeycomb-effect grille and 14-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels have also been added to the mix (the outgoing model rode on 13-inch items).

Move inside, and arguably the most obvious change you’ll notice is the addition of a high-definition seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (neatly integrated into the facia) that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus offers Bluetooth connectivity. The system is intuitive in its operation with only light touches needed, while the icons on the screen are chunky enough to render it simple to use on the move.

The removal of the bench-like front seating arrangement is another significant alteration, with the two front perches now clearly separated to create room for two additional cupholders and a storage bin. The inclusion of a conventional handbrake rather than one that is pulled out from the facia is a welcome upgrade that makes pulling away on an incline less of a fuss.

As can be expected from a budget offering, hard plastics are common throughout the interior. That said, perceived interior build quality seems solid and our launch unit was squeak-and-rattle-free even over bumpy Gauteng roads. This Lux variant gains silver interior accents on the gear lever, steering wheel and door handles as well as faux-carbon-fibre trim on the facia and door inserts. It furthermore features a rear window washer-jet and wiper.

And the additional safety kit?

Yes, the big news here is the inclusion of ABS and two front passenger airbags as standard. When a safe opportunity arose, we conducted an emergency braking test from an indicated 80 km/h. Interestingly, on initial bite the front tyres locked briefly (leaving two short black lines on the asphalt) before the ABS system fully engaged. CAR magazine is, of course, keen to put this updated Go through its unforgiving 10-stop brake test to accurately record the performance of the tweaked braking set-up.

In a Global NCAP crash test of the SA-spec (pre-facelift) Datsun Go+, the vehicle received a single star for adult occupancy and two for child occupancy protection, with its body shell integrity rated as “unstable”. Datsun SA has yet to reveal whether any steps have been taken to improve the structural rigidity of this updated model.

Tell me more about the ride…

As with the outgoing Go, this model is imported into South Africa from Chennai, India. Riding on Nissan’s V platform, a chassis shared with the previous-generation Micra, the updated Go is powered by an unchanged 1,2-litre, naturally aspirated, three-cylinder petrol mill sending its 50 kW and 104 N.m to the front axle. This motor is shared with the entry-level Nissan Micra Active, although in the latter it features an additional six kilowatts. It’s a rev-happy engine and the possibly still the highlight of the package.

The five-speed manual gearbox needs to be frequently stirred, particularly on hill-heavy sections of Gauteng’s freeways, for the vehicle to maintain sufficient momentum. Indeed, some planning ahead (plus the dropping of a cog or two for swift overtaking manoeuvres) is required in order to keep up with traffic. The engine reaches its indicated redline at 5 250 r/min quickly when pushed, and provides linear power delivery. Claimed consumption comes in at 5,2 L/100 km but over the course of our launch route (admittedly comprised predominantly of highway driving) we saw a return of 6,4 L/100 km.

The suspension is softly sprung and does a good job of ironing out road imperfections. A drawback of such a setup, though, is considerable body roll through corners, even at low speeds. Up the ante on the open road, and the speed-sensitive steering weights up somewhat, but still remains a little too light, exhibiting a certain vagueness off centre. Still, the Go delivers a more reassuring highway cruise than the likes of a Renault Kwid, feeling more settled and offering better NVH levels.

The verdict

With added peace of mind thanks to that brace of airbags and ABS, plus the addition of a modern infotainment centre, the Go should continue to sell well in our market, with the Mid model looking like the best value. It may lack the sophistication of, say, a Kia Picanto, but the Go now ticks a few important boxes, while still offering a comfortable ride, an impressive (for the segment) standard features list and useful interior practicality.

Ultimately, the Datsun Go has been successfully nipped and tucked to provide a more appealing overall package. We’ll have to wait to conduct a full road test of the refreshed hatchback to make a definitive call regarding the braking performance. And, of course, we’ll keep a keen eye out for any fresh crash-test results…

Model:Datsun Go 1,2 Lux
Price:R165 500
Engine:1,2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
Power:50 kW @ 5 500 r/min
Torque:104 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h:13,3 seconds
Top Speed:161 km/h
Fuel Consumption:5,2 L/100 km
CO2:123 g/km
Transmission:5-speed manual
Maintenance Plan:Service plan optional

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driven-datsun-go-12-lux/
 
Datsun Go (2018) Launch Review

The Datsun Go has been updated and the revised version of the controversial budget car comes to market replete with substantial improvements, including a safety upgrade. We headed to Gauteng to drive the newcomer.

Back in 2013, the car world was surprised by news of the resurgence of the Datsun brand. Hopes were high that finally there would be a quality NEW vehicle that would suit budget-car buyers to a tee. Named Go, it offered pleasing levels of comfort, performance and specification on paper. However, there was a catch. The first iteration of Datsun Go was under-equipped in terms of safety, it featured no airbags or ABS. Later, a single airbag (for the driver) was added to the top-spec 1.2 Lux derivative, which was the sole offering on the market before the arrival of the facelift.

Worse still was that the vehicle's body didn't appear to offer enough structural integrity to provide notable occupant protection in the event of an accident – which meant that even tripling the airbag count would have had little effect. The condemnation in the media (mainstream and social) was brutal after NCAP scored the Go zero. Our review of the Go was ambivalent; we thought it was okay to drive, but the safety issue was critical.

Despite this, the Go has sold well in South Africa, which suggests that many customers are willing to sacrifice safety for the pleasure of owning a new vehicle (a phenomenon that ensured "continuation vehicles", such as the VW CitiGolf and Toyota Tazz, remained in local production long after they'd been replaced in their countries of origin; they sold well right up to the point they were discontinued).

Besides, it's easy to understand why... the alternatives to new-car ownership are running inefficient or unreliable old cars or using public transport which is not without its risks and limitations.

Enter this facelifted Datsun Go, with which the Japanese company hopes to surpass the average sales count of the preceding model (around 500 units a month). To date, almost 25 000 Datsun Go variants have found homes in South Africa.

What's new?

The Datsun Go's revised fascia features a far more modern infotainment system. The front bench also been replaced by 2 individual seats.

There has been a huge focus on the part of Datsun to improve the Go's cabin quality and ergonomics. The 1-piece bench seating arrangement at the front has made way for 2 individual seats and the resulting central space means a conventional handbrake has been fitted, doing away with the agricultural and ungainly "umbrella handle" handbrake, which used to protrude from the dashboard.

There's an all-new touchscreen infotainment system, which is more akin in layout and user experience to that of a smartphone than a "fancy car radio". We believe the Go's tech-savvy intended target market will lap that up. Also in the mix is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the latter we used extensively for its music streaming functionality on our test drive. Another nice feature added to the Go's spec is rear parking sensors.

The powertrain has been carried over and it's a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder motor that produces a tidy 50 kW and 104 Nm. Those outputs may not sound like much (at all), but the Datsun Go is a lightweight vehicle and it doesn't need much in the way of engine pulling power to motivate it. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Datsun claims an average fuel economy figure of 5.2 L/100 km.

The massive change, however, is the addition of significant safety features. The driver's airbag has been joined by a 2nd airbag for the front passenger and crucially, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) has been fitted. The addition of ABS will result in fewer collisions (and help inexperienced drivers, in particular). As for improvements to the Go's structural rigidity (especially around the passenger cell), we expect that Datsun will have to have made (or will still make) running upgrades in anticipation of further crash testing being conducted on the upgraded Go by organisations such as NCAP. The firm said that it will be looking at introducing stability control in 2019, but that will undoubtedly impact the list price.

Top-spec models get alloy wheels and daytime running lights

How does it drive?

Our launch route was a combination of highway and urban driving, and we put the newcomer through its paces. However, when we recalled our impressions of the pre-facelift version, we realised that there's now a big jump between the two. The previous version of the Datsun Go suffered from severe body-roll during cornering and a combination of harsh road and engine noise was tough to bear. At 120 kph, we felt a bit vulnerable in the Go and the car didn't inspire confidence on congested highways. This newer version feels a bit more stable and offers a relaxed drive.

The great news is that the new Go feels more solidly assembled and -finished, in general. The gear action is light and smooth, and the 'box's shift quality slick (a good thing, as you'll be working the gears often!). At the altitude of Gauteng, you will need to work that little engine quite hard and almost every highway overtaking manoeuvre required a gear-change down into 4th. We feel that noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) suppression has been improved too. There are still a handful of rough edges, but at this price point, we can't criticise them that harshly.

The Datsun Go is also available in a 7-seater and panel van configuration.

Verdict

Now that safety, the proverbial elephant in the room has addressed (at least to an extent), one can justifiably regard the Datsun Go as a strong all-round contender in the (exceedingly) price-sensitive budget car segment. The addition of ABS has huge (but, thankfully, positive) implications and this should further bolster sales. In terms of interior quality, the difference between the outgoing model and the newcomer is night and day; so much so that one could easily be fooled into thinking they were 2 almost unrelated vehicles. More convenience features such as the smart and modern infotainment system will also help draw customers in. So the new Datsun Go is starting to look like quite the budget bargain and, as those dreadful infomercials go, "but wait, there's more". Datsun Go customers will receive 1 year's insurance with their new car, sweetening the deal even further.

Datsun Go - Price in SA

Datsun GO Mid R144 500

Datsun GO Lux R165 500

Datsun GO+ 7-seater Mid R154 200

Datsun GO+ 7-seater Lux R175 900

Datsun GO+ Panel Van R155 200

The Datsun Go is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and an optional service plan.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/datsun-go-2018-launch-review/45828/
 
Driven: New Datsun Go is a big step in the right direction

Pay R3000 a month and take your chances on public transport or get behind the wheel of a Datsun Go. It’s really a no-brainer, especially now that the new upgraded Datsun Go has been launched, which is a marked improvement over the previous one.

You’ll recall that there was a lot of time and space given to the fact that without ABS or airbags the car was one of the most unsafe on our roads. I was one who raised an eyebrow on that, but speaking to people, their choice even then was between an ‘unsafe car’ or putting your life in the hands of a skorokoro, limited mobility and particularly (as a young woman) being tormented by those same taxi drivers to the point of abuse.

Later, Datsun introduced a driver’s airbag, but still...

The new Datsun Go is, to be fair, a big improvement over the outgoing model and even though it comes in more expensive, you get an honest car at a decent price.

The Datsun Go doesn’t pretend to be some grand tourer but is essentially a car for (mostly) young people to own a vehicle that gets them around in an affordable way without breaking the bank.

And Datsun has done a good job in the design and looks department without making the vehicle look like an obvious entry-level car.

The most important change has been the addition of ABS and an additional airbag on the passenger side, significantly increasing your chances of survival if things get out of control.

Datsun says it has as yet not done the crash tests for a safety rating.

Now you’re feeling a bit better before making a decision to purchase, so what does it look like? Not too bad actually. the front grille and bumpers have been redesigned, there’s a range of funky colours to chose from and the whole package stands on 14-inch wheels (while the LUX model has alloy rims).

Standard specs include colour-coded electric side mirrors, reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers, central locking and an immobiliser. The Lux model gets daytime running lights, rear wiper and body colour door handles.

All models including the seven-seater Go+ and the panel van are powered by a 1.2 litre normally aspirated engine with 50kW and 104Nm.

Blistering acceleration isn’t part of the deal, but that’s not what the car’s purpose is. It needs a bit of stick to keep it in the correct rev range and once we got used to this, in and around the streets and highways of Joburg and Pretoria, it cruised around easily enough while the five speed manual gearbox proved to be another massive improvement over the previous model. Electric power steering ensures that parking bays are easily negotiated.

Inside too it’s almost unrecognisable with an attractively laid out dash that includes an 18cm touch-screen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity (standard during the launch period), Bluetooth and USB.

Standard too is air conditioning, which is just as well and worked a treat during last week’s Gauteng heatwave. The AC does obviously take away some power, but at least you have the option, something you don’t have if public transport is your mode of getting around.

The Datsun Go and Go+ models come with a standard three-year/100 000km warranty and an optional service plan. In addition, you receive one-year insurance with the purchase of a Go or Go+.

PRICES

Go 1.2 Mid Spec R144 500
Go 1.2 Lux Spec R165 500
Go+ 7-seater MidR154 200
Go+ 7-seater Lux R175 900
Go+ Panel Van R155 200

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...is-a-big-step-in-the-right-direction-18219907
 
REVIEW: 5 things to like about the updated Datsun GO

The latest version of the funky little Datsun GO is a sure winner and boasts all the attributes to be a top seller.

I've driven the car for just over a week now and it has grown on me. If I was in the market for an affordable, fuel-efficient car with all the basics, then the GO is right up there.

Bang for buck

There is plenty more I like about the car, but the ones mentioned below are the standout features which would benefit most lifestyles.

1. Superb fuel efficiency

I knew the Datsun was light on fuel with the automaker's claimed figure of 5.2 litres per 100km, but it was only when I got behind the wheel and experienced the economic benefits myself.

I began my journey with half a tank and the aircon placed on the first setting as the temperature was well over 30 degrees. I drove around for close to three hours and didn't look at the fuel range in that time, but I was expecting it to be about 2 bars down or around the 1/4 mark.

'Wow! The bar is still in the same place' was my reaction when I finally parked. It was only on the way home that it finally dropped a bar.

2. Fresh and funky design

While a Datsun GO in standard trim looks pretty much sterile, the sticker decal and 14" alloy wheel option on these newer versions look the part.

In addition, the LED daytime running lights add a modern dynamic to the whole package and compliments it well. I, for one, like the chrome-finished radiator grille that gives it a more aggressive look.

3. No more 'love seat'

I don't have anything against the 'love seat' but I'm glad it was chucked in order to make way for the cup holder and actual space between front passengers.

It now feels more like a car and not like someone being held up behind a large piece of material.

4. Awesome infotainment system

The GO's 7" touchscreen infotainment is a welcome addition. It literally says 'Welcome' on the screen when you start the car, thereafter giving you a range of FM, Bluetooth and Carplay setup options.

I was a bit perturbed about having to take my eyes off the road for a few seconds but that did little to deter me. It is simple, user-friendly and definitely makes the cabin look modern.

5. Easy to drive

Whether you want to adjust the side mirrors or even hit the hazard button, everything is in reach and conveniently accessible to the driver.

The ergonomically-located gear shift lever is a winner. It just makes everything that much easier and leaves a bit of space in the console to put smaller items such as house keys or access tags.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-5-things-to-like-about-the-updated-datsun-go-20181219

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Datsun Go 1.2 Lux (2019) Quick Review

Fast Facts
Price: R165 500 (as of January 2019)
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 50 kW/104 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 5.2 L/100km (claimed)

Pricing and Warranty

The Go 1.2 Lux is priced from R165 500 and is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and, at the time this review was published (January 2019) 1-year comprehensive insurance (subsidised) OR R6 000 deposit assistance.

Verdict

The Datsun Go makes a stronger case for itself by offering improved safety features and an advanced touchscreen, which is bound to secure more sales in this tightly-contested segment. However, while its engine offers acceptable performance and returns good fuel consumption on a daily basis, the Go disappoints in terms of its overall driving feel and iffy build quality (not that that would matter to allbudget-market new car buyers).

At this price point, buyers have lots of choice, including cars such as the Kia Picanto, Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai Grand i10, Toyota Aygo (to name a few), all of which are worthy contenders in the budget segment and we suggest that potential buyers test drive all of them in an effort to make an informed decision. Is the latest Datsun Go 1.2 Lux worth its price tag? Based on our experience, we think it falls a little short.

As an alternative to the above, if you are seriously considering the Datsun Go, you may want to consider forking out an additional R12 400 and hop into the new Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL (R177 900) which is a #CarsAwards Budget Car finalist and one of the best offerings in this segment.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/datsun-go-12-lux-2019-quick-review/45990/

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The Indica has already been discontinued and is no longer sold in any of TATA's global markets. Some current generation TATA vehicles have very good GNCAP safety ratings, such as 4-stars for the Tata Bolt, or in the case of the Nexon, which was recently re-tested after earlier also getting a 4-star rating, was then further improved and has now become the first Indian manufactured vehicle to get the top GNCAP rating of 5-stars, becoming India's safest locally manufactured car.

Here is a list of all India-made cars which have been crash tested by Global NCAP since 2014:

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/global-ncap-crash-tests-how-india-made-cars-fared-over-the-years-1959337
 
For R165k there much better cars you can buy. Even a low mileage demo of almost anything else would be better than this death trap.
 
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