Launched: enhanced Datsun Go and Go+
By khulekani / on November 20th, 2018 / in Car Reviews, featuredThe supermini car segment has been booming for years in South Africa since consumers have opted against sedans in favour of these cars and SUVs. The entry level hatches have tended to be cheaper but that has not been good enough for consumers who have found themselves under consistent pressure from a sluggish economy. This has created room for no frills and no fuss cars that can deliver the consumer from point A to point B in relative safety and comfort. The Go and its cousin, the Renault Kwid, and a couple of others have filled this vacuum. They have been rewarded with healthy sales numbers month after month. The introduction of the Go has not been without controversy as it was berated for low safety standards. In order to satisfy the growing customer demands in the segment and the questionable safety standards, Datsun has introduced an updated Go and we attended its launch in Johannesburg recently, and we were impressed by what Datsun has done with this update. In short, expect to see many more Gos on our roads.
Exterior updates
The previous generation Datsun Go was built for purpose but the exterior was a bit on the uninspiring side. It was tolerable but could get more image conscious buyers to opt for its sister the Nissan Micra Active instead. Well, there should be none of that anymore. The Go can qualify as a fashion accessory even if you are running on a tight budget. In addition, the Go and Go+ now have redesigned front grille and bumpers (front and rear) and 14” wheels. The Go also gains Follow-Me-Home headlights that stay on after a driver exits the car to provide much-needed light as you walk away. The timing can be set in intervals of 30 seconds to give you as much time as you might need.
To add versatility to the Go range and an affordable Go for everyone, the Go is offered in a variety of body styles. As an entry point into the range there is Go which is a spacious 5-seater hatchback and then the Go+, a 7-seater, which is also offered as a panel van to help business people with an affordable logistics solution.
To make things more practical and perhaps as an appreciation that a big chuck of the Go following is inexperienced drivers, the Go has reverse parking sensors in both models that feature an audible beeping warning that activates when reverse gear is engaged. This feature will undoubtedly give the drivers confidence and improved manoeuvrability when reversing.
Interior updates
Inside is perhaps where the Go will impress most. The previous generation was functional but lacked a stereo in the basic model and in upper models had a rather basic third party stereo. There will be none of that anymore. The new Go and Go+ have 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. We played around the new infotainment screen at launch and were impressed by ease of connectivity and use. The next struggle is decent speakers but maybe Datsun are saving that for the second generation Go.
Safety and security
On the security and safety aspect, the Go gets 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.
Engine and Drive
The updated Go and Go+ models are powered by the current 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 50kW and 104Nm paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is famous for its low fuel consumption sipping only 5.2 litres per 100km.Now for the drive, my co-driver and I experienced trouble with finding the correct gears, the shifts were not smooth. On the bright side the Datsun Go is quite comfortable and spacious as I noted above. Datsun now has predictive gear shift pointers which help you match the correct gear at a specific speed. This will help inexperienced drivers no doubt. The slight critique is noise insulation. Past the 120 km/h mark, a whistle sound occurs. This will no doubt bother some drivers when they go for a test drive. Perhaps this is another one for Datsun to improve on for the second generation Go. There is no doubt that the Go has been vastly improved with this update. Invariably the prices have moved upwards a bit. Nonetheless the Datsun Go still offers a lot of value for money at its price point.
Pricing
These Datsun Go and Go+ models come with a standard 3-year/100,000km warranty and an optional service plan. In addition, consumers will receive one-year insurance with the purchase of a GO or GO+. Prices are as follows:
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