Since its introduction four years ago, the Datsun GO has epitomized affordable, no frills motoring.
Originally lambasted for a lack of safety equipment, Datsun took steps to try to remedy the situation, by including a single airbag for the driver – which earned it a single star NCAP crash rating, while the airbag-less model was discontinued from the range in early 2018.
Now, Datsun South Africa is launching a 'new' GO and GO+ next month, that has been lightly refreshed with two new colour options, 14-inch alloy wheels, new front bumpers, headlights with DRLs, and a revised rear bumper too. Even the side mirrors have been tweaked to now gain integrated indicators.
The biggest talking point though, is that it will come with dual front airbags, ABS and EBD, and rear parking sensors. Inside will be a new instrument panel and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, and voice control.
Datsun claims that the car has been strengthened with the addition of more reinforcements in the chassis to comply with newer crash test regulations. That has added an extra 100kgs of weight to the car.
The compact car will retain its 1198cc three-cylinder petrol motor with 50kw and 104nm, which will be paired with a 5-speed manual as standard. An optional “Xtronic” continuously variable transmission will be on offer but expect it to join the line-up at a later stage.
Kabelo Rabotho, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director, said: “We are focused on giving our customers the best service while providing high-quality vehicles that serve the needs of everyone; from first-time buyers to entrepreneurs and also senior citizens, who love our reliable cars.”
With the entry-level GO and GO+ currently priced from R138 900 and R156 900 respectively, it’s very probable that the new models will be a little pricier. More details about pricing and specification will be released prior to its mid-November introduction.
Also worth a look: the Datsun Go and the 1980 Datsun 160Z.
FAQ
Q: What does the Datsun GO cost in South Africa?
The current Datsun GO starts from R138,900 for the entry-level model, though the new refreshed version with dual airbags and safety features will likely cost a bit more when it launches.
Q: Is the Datsun GO worth buying in 2024?
The new Datsun GO offers decent value if you need basic transport on a tight budget, especially with the added safety features like dual airbags and ABS, but don't expect luxury or performance thrills from this bare-bones runabout.
Q: How much power does the Datsun GO have?
The Datsun GO produces 50kW and 104Nm from its 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which is adequate for city driving but feels sluggish on highway overtaking.
Q: What safety features does the new Datsun GO have?
The refreshed Datsun GO finally gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a strengthened chassis that should improve its crash test rating significantly.
Q: Does the Datsun GO have an automatic transmission?
The Datsun GO comes standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an optional CVT automatic transmission expected to join the lineup later.
Should You Buy It?
The best budget car under R150,000 in South Africa is probably still the Suzuki S-Presso, but the refreshed Datsun GO makes a compelling case if you can stretch to around R150,000 for the new model. Yes, you should consider it if you're a first-time buyer who needs basic, reliable transport with proper safety equipment, Apple CarPlay, and a decent warranty. The addition of dual airbags and ABS finally makes this a responsible purchase rather than a rolling liability. However, if you can afford to spend R200,000 or more, you'll get much better value from a Polo Vivo or Kwid that offers more refinement, better build quality, and stronger resale values.
