Datsun GO – Details and Pricing
Following the announcement by Datsun South Africa, of the forthcoming re-launch in South Africa, full details of the entry level Datsun GO hatchback have been made available. Let’s take a closer look.
For starters, it’s worth remembering that in the 60’s and 70’s the Datsun brand was a staple of the working class community in many markets around the world. It was well known to offer quality and reliability at an affordable price for their owners. Also, for those too young to remember, and indeed the intended target market of the new Datsun range, the Datsun name was given to Nissan vehicles which were exported out of Japan. Eventually, though the name was phased out in order to strengthen the Nissan brand name, and it comes as no surprise then, that the Japanese giant is the halo company responsible for the global revival of the Datsun brand.
Back to 2014 though and the new Datsun GO, which we can report will be sold in two variants, both dipping under the critical R100 000 maker. For just R89 500 you can get hands on a Datsun GO, with the Datsun GO Lux model coming in at R99 500, but more on spec level differences in a bit.
Both models are fully imported and are powered by a DOHC 12-valve, three cylinder, fuel injected petrol engine with a displacement of 1198cc, and develop 50kW of power and 104Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. Weighing in at roughly 1152kg this should provide spirited performance, all while consuming a claimed 5.2l/100km.
Stopping the GO is a combination of ventilated disc brakes providing braking up front and drums brakes at the rear. Wheel and tyre size are 155/70 13-inch at all four corners.
With the intention of being the ideal city runabout, the Datsun GO rides on a wheelbase of 2 450mm allowing for a roomy interior and bumper to bumper is 3 785mm long. Height and width are 1 485mm and 1 635mm respectively, with ride height pegged at 170mm.
Matching the funky exterior is a functional yet surprisingly spacious interior. The most obvious is the front ‘bench’ made possible by incorporating the gear lever and handbrake into the lower section of the dashboard. Ahead of the driver is a simple yet effective single instrument cluster sporting white and blue colouring for the large speedometer. Also included is a digital tachometer and gear shift indicator and drive computer.
Thanks to its overall dimensions, Datsun GO has one of the most spacious cabins in its class, giving it a clear advantage over its competitors. Leg, knee and shoulder room is at or near best in class while the headroom is better than the competitors. At 265 litres, the luggage volume the Datsun GO’s boot space is also class leading.
With design and packaging out the way, let’s look at standard equipment on the Datsun GO. Intelligent speed sensitive rain wipers, which vary the intermittent setting according to road speed as well as electric power steering are standard fitment on the GO. Off the back of the massive growth in the smartphone sector, Datsun has chosen to fit a Mobile Docking Station over a radio/CD player, this includes integrated AUX-in and two speakers in the front doors. Instead of being restricted to a radio and, perhaps, a CD player, new Datsun owners have access to satellite navigation, hands-free telephone, USB charger, music player and radio all accessed via their smartphones.
One feature not seen in the entry-level segment are follow me home headlights which operate simply by pulling the headlight flasher function when exiting the vehicle. One pull leaves the lights on for 30 seconds, two pulls for one minute, three for 90 seconds and four for two minutes.
A 3 year/100 000km warranty with roadside assistance comes as standard on the Datsun GO with a service/maintenance plan offered as a paid for option.