Datsun Go! Thoughts

I hired a Suzuki Celerio GA last year in July - and was really amazed at its fuel economy and overall driveability & performance on the highway.

Read my full review on the Celerio GA at this link:

 
Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT launched (in India) - Team-BHP

Datsun has launched the CVT versions of the GO and GO+ in India priced at Rs. 5.94 lakh and Rs. 6.58 lakh respectively.

The Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT come with LED daytime running lights and 14-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Both cars come equipped with an infotainment system as well as safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, reverse parking sensors and follow-me-home headlamps.

The GO CVT and GO+ CVT are powered by the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 67 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 104 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The GO CVT and GO+ CVT are available in 6 colour options - Ruby Red, Vivid Blue, Bronze Grey, Amber Orange, Crystal Silver and Opal White

Variant-wise ex-showroom prices:

Datsun GO CVT

T - Rs. 5,94,464
T(O) - Rs. 6,18,015

Datsun GO+ CVT

T - Rs. 6,58,361
T(O) - Rs. 6,80,153

 
Wait, what? Nissan plans to kill off Datsun brand, claims new report

A new report claims the Nissan group plans to kill off its Datsun budget brand as part of a wider campaign to increase global profits.

According to Reuters, the Japanese firm will “likely” close down its Datsun arm, despite the marque being revived as recently as 2013. The automaker will also cut certain “unprofitable” Nissan-badged vehicles, says the report, and shut down some assembly lines, too.

The report cites two company sources “with direct knowledge of the matter” as saying the recovery plan was sparked by falling profits after the ousting of former boss Carlos Ghosn.

The sources claim sales of the Datsun brand – which builds its budget vehicles in India, Indonesia and Russia – have started eating into Nissan sales in emerging markets.

“We ended up pushing two mainstream brands in a market where you have a one or two percent market share. You cannot do that,” one of the sources told the news agency.


Datsun.JPG
 
Nissan likely to ditch the Datsun brand - report

Nissan is likely to ditch its Datsun budget brand, according to a report from Reuters, which cites two company insiders with direct knowledge of the matter.

Although not yet officially confirmed by Nissan, this would reportedly form part of a wider restructuring plan which could also see the Japanese carmaker drop some of its unprofitable models and close some assembly lines, although Nissan is apparently not planning to close down any assembly plants or pull out of any countries.

Nissan is currently grappling with falling sales and profits following a year of leadership turmoil in which it lost long-standing boss Carlos Ghosn in a pay scandal, as well as his replacement Hiroto Saikawa, who recently resigned over his own financial controversies.

Nissan has however put on a brave face at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show, where the carmaker is showing off its future electric car plans with two new concept vehicles.

Why let go of Datsun?

While Nissan plans a big push towards electrification and autonomous driving tech, budget cars such at the Datsun Go face an uncertain future.

Datsun was resurrected in 2013 as a budget brand for emerging markets, and its Go hatchback made its way to South Africa the following year with a price tag of just R89 500, although it was criticised for its lack of safety features and credentials. Nissan has since up-specced the car, but it’s no longer the affordable option it once was, with the range currently starting at R159 100.

 
Competition is good , but there are way too many vehicle models and brands in the South African market and the loss of Datsun won't be a great loss.

#SaferCarsForAfrica
 
Datsun now has an automatic GO model in its local line-up

Datsun has introduced new CVT transmissions that will form part of the GO and Go+ models.

There are numerous advantages to be had from this system, from smoother gear changes, less noise and fewer emissions to all-round better driving.

Naamsa's monthly report reveals that Datsun's Go and Go+ models sell high numbers repeatedly for the brand. October saw 425 and 154 units sold respectively.

Wheels24's Robin Classen will be attending the local launch in Johannesburg next week, so look out for his driving impressions later this month.

"Our new CVT versions of the Datsun GO and GO+ represent a completely new experience for progressive, self-driven young drivers who’re looking for best-in-class technology," says Hide Kuwayama ,the newly appointed head of Datsun for South Africa.

 
The world's worst car just got worse - TimesLive
Has the Datsun Go gone too far this time? Thomas Falkiner thinks so

741983

Question: What could be worse than a Datsun Go?

Answer: A Datsun Go equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): an automatic gearbox (though technically it has no gears, rather a pair of variable-width pulleys connected by a belt) that has a reputation for being dim-witted and annoyingly droney. And sometimes pricey to fix.

Well, as it happens, Datsun on Wednesday morning announced that it is bringing this nightmare to life with the launch of new Go and Go+ CVT models.

Indeed, if you hate life and joy and driving and want to pilot one of SA's most unsafe cars to a soundtrack reminiscent of a 1980's speedboat, then look no further — your chariot awaits.

If not, I'd suggest you do the sensible thing and save a few more rands until you can afford to buy something such as a Renault Sandero or, even better, a VW Up!

Cars that are infinitely better (and safer) in every respect, and are no longer that much more expensive.

 
Pricing! Datsun Go (and Go+) given the CVT treatment in South Africa

Datsun South Africa has introduced self-shifting variants to its Go hatchback and Go+ seven-seater ranges, with each model featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Go Lux CVT is priced at R184 200, while the Go+ Lux CVT comes in at R194 800.

Interestingly, these CVT-equipped variants employ a stability control system, something the five-speed manual models do without, along with a front passenger seatbelt reminder (in addition to the driver’s item offered on other Go models). Dual airbags, ABS (with EBD and brake assist) and traction control are also included.

Furthermore, the firm’s familiar naturally aspirated 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivers 57 kW (seven units more than the manual model's powerplant) and an unchanged 104 N.m to the front axle via the new CVT.

A seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality is also included, along with rear parking sensors and 14-inch alloy wheels.

 
Pricing! Datsun Go (and Go+) given the CVT treatment in South Africa

Datsun South Africa has introduced self-shifting variants to its Go hatchback and Go+ seven-seater ranges, with each model featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Go Lux CVT is priced at R184 200, while the Go+ Lux CVT comes in at R194 800.

Interestingly, these CVT-equipped variants employ a stability control system, something the five-speed manual models do without, along with a front passenger seatbelt reminder (in addition to the driver’s item offered on other Go models). Dual airbags, ABS (with EBD and brake assist) and traction control are also included.

Furthermore, the firm’s familiar naturally aspirated 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivers 57 kW (seven units more than the manual model's powerplant) and an unchanged 104 N.m to the front axle via the new CVT.

A seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality is also included, along with rear parking sensors and 14-inch alloy wheels.

Almost 200k for a Go ma bru!
 
Datsun South Africa responds to ‘speculation’ about brand’s future

Datsun South Africa has described recent reports that Nissan plans to scrap the budget brand as mere “speculation”, saying it plans to continue operating locally.

Speaking to CARmag.co.za at the local launch of new Go and Go+ CVT variants, Datsun SA marketing director Kabelo Rabotho suggested buyers should not be concerned.

“We’d like to assure our consumers out there that we’re expanding the range [to include CVT variants] because we believe in Datsun continuing in South Africa,” he said.

Rabotho went on to label reports of Datsun’s impending demise as “speculation”, adding neither Nissan nor Datsun had issued a “formal or any statement” on the rumours from a “global perspective”.

 
Geeez

Why did they put a CVT badge on the bootlid to advertise to everyone out there.

The Datsun Go & Kwid have competitors now with the new launched Peugeot 108 & Hyundai Atos
 
Datsun Go CVT (2019) Launch Review

How does it drive?

We had a chance to drive the all-new Datsun Go CVT on a 50 km route on an assortment of roads and traffic situations. The driving position is fair and the cabin layout is ergonomically acceptable. That being said, it took us more than a few minutes to locate the USB port to make full use of hands-free Android Auto. Why hide the USB port, Datsun?

As long as you modulate the accelerator pedal and don't depress it fully, the Datsun Go is smooth and offers adequate power for urban driving. With your foot flat, the trademark CVT drone emerges with very little increase in forward momentum. The ride offered by the 14-inch alloy wheels is acceptable, but significant body roll is evident during cornering. The steering is light and tight parking maneuvres (which we put to the test in a parking gymkhana) are effortlessly taken care of.

The Achilles Heel of the Datsun Go CVT is when it comes to overtaking on a national highway at 3-digit speeds. Put your foot flat and the engine revs noisily, but in-gear acceleration is barely noticeable, especially if you're climbing a hill. Should you look into Datsun Go CVT ownership? Well, there's a lot on offer in this segment, ranging from the newly-launched Hyundai Atos to the recently updated Kwid. The Datsun Go's free insurance and generous specification will win it some fans as well as its pleasant urban driving characteristics.

A note of advice, if you do buy a Go then try to avoid driving on highways unless absolutely necessary. If you stick to speeds under 100 kph, you should be satisfied with its fuss-free operation.

Datsun Go Price in South Africa (November 2019)

Datsun Go Mid R159 100

Datsun Go Lux R170 200

Datsun Go CVT R184 200

The Datsun Go is sold with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and comes with a year's worth of insurance. A service plan is optional.


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DRIVEN: Datsun Go 1,2 Lux CVT

While the CVT-equipped Go certainly provides more choice to buyers in this segment, with a price of R184 200 it's a not insignificant R14 000 more expensive than the manual Lux model. With a light clutch and easy-to-operate gearbox, the manual is simple to drive around town and feels more responsive, too. If, however, your commute is a traffic-laden one, and the added safety features appeal to you, the CVT could make a compelling alternative if you already had your heart set on a Go.

FAST FACTS

Model: Datsun Go 1,2 Lux CVT
Price: R184 200
Engine: 1,2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Power: 57 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 104 N.m @ 4 400 r/min
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top Speed: 161 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,0 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2: 127 g/km
Transmission: five-step CVT
Service Plan: optional


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