Datsun GO

There’s a well known anecdote about a question in an exam paper followed by the instruction: ‘Motivate your answer.’ One bright spark student’s answer read: ‘Go, answer, go!’

This aptly sums up the emotions of many previous Datsun owners and aficionados on the return of the brand to South Africa, as everyone with a sense of the legacy of this local favourite would like it to excel again. Why? Well, in the nearly three decades it was available here it left an inedible mark in the annals of South African motoring. Those over forty still remember the first Bluebird bakkies, the Y-series, the SSS-models, the original Skylines, yes, even the “Dazzle Datsuns” and Stanza with fondness. And yes, it was even the market leading brand between 1976 and 1978.

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW
However, to appreciate the ‘new’ Datsun, one needs to forget everything you remember of the old... The brand now competes in a very different market segment and is aimed at a completely new customer..

In the words of Datsun general manager Des Fenner the brand’s products will now be a natural choice for younger, first time buyers or people looking for a vehicle to use as comfortable, stylish and fuel efficient urban runabout.

So, does Datsun’s new entry-level contender have the GO, or is it just show?
Based on the same platform as the Nissan Micra, it has a wheelbase of 2450mm, measures 3785mm from bumper to bumper, is 1485 mm tall, 1635 mm wide and clears the tarmac by a class leading 170 mm.

Its long wheelbase contributes to its road dynamics and ensures a spacious interior, while the high ground clearance have pros and cons in terms of handling (more about this later).

Its styling, while generic, is pleasing. The combination of horizontal bar and strong D-shaped lines gives prominence to the grille and frontal view. The integrated bumper houses three lower air intakes and large three dimensional headlight assemblies flank the streamlined bonnet.

This accentuates the starting point for shoulder lines running from the front to midway through the rear door, while a bold ‘flick’ curves towards the tailgate above the rear light assemblies.

Inside GO’s cabin is modern, yet simple and functional. The three-spoke steering wheel is chunky, and the clear instruments with large speedometer are contained in a single cluster.

The combination meter incorporates a “smart meter” comprising a digital rev counter, gear shift guide and drive computer. The gear lever and flimsy parking brake are mounted in the central console creating more space up front.

This also allows for what Datsun terms ‘connected’ front seats. While this extended space is not intended for use as an extra seat, I am afraid this is exactly what is going to happen a dangerous practice, as there is no extra seatbelt.

SPEC BEYOND THE BUDGET
In terms of equipment the GO features an intelligent wiping system for the wipers, which varies according to the speed of the vehicle. It also has a unique mobile docking station for smart ’phones that can then be paired to the car’s integrated door mounted loudspeakers.

It also features ‘follow me home, lights that can be activated for up to two minutes after leaving the car. Storage spaces in the dash and door pockets are capable of holding 1.5-litre bottles and there is total oddment storage volume of 9,4 litres.

The GO also has the longest effective cabin in the class, giving it good leg, knee and shoulder room in front, but less so in the rear as a result of the bigger luggage compartment that can hold 265 litres. And while the quality of interior assembly is commendable, the materials used, such as the wafer-thin floor carpets and threadbare fabric for the seats, are of considerably lower grade.

Even with high levels of body rigidity the GO weighs in only 1152kg and this means that its small, modern three-cylinder engine of 1198cc, delivering 50kW of power and 104Nm of torque, has enough go to propel it from standstill to 100km/h in 13.3 seconds.

The rorty little mill drives the front wheels through a conventional, yet slick-shifting, five-speed manual ‘box and according to Datsun this drivetrain is also highly economical returning consumption figures as low as 5.2l/100km.

However, the aspect that really impress, is the GO’s ride quality. It is equipped with a quite sophisticated double pivoted lower arm front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

AN EXCELLENT RIDE
The long travel suspension and higher than average ground clearance means some body-roll in corners, but the dampers also ensure reduced pitch and squat over poor road surfaces, added to the ride comfort.

Its electric power steering system is quite accurate, but the small 13” tyres cannot take hard cornering, leading to pronounced understeer when pushed.

On the safety systems front it is only half systems GO... Ventilated front discs and drums at the rear provide ample stopping power, but the Datsun neither has ABS and EBD, nor any airbags. While this can perhaps be viewed as a serious oversight, one needs to keep in mind most of its competitors are also not equipped with these systems...

Tata’s Indica has no airbags, no ABS and no EBD, and same apply to Chery’s QQ3 800 cc models. The Geely LC 1.0 also doesn’t have airbags, and a quick survey of vehicles without ABS and EBD reveals more than fifty models...

Affordability plays a huge role in this segment, and buyers in this market would rather prefer sound and aircon before considering airbags and ABS (which adds around 10 grand to the list price...)

According to Fenner the Indian-built GO models were not available with airbags and ABS when sourced, but both will be available within the next couple of months. There’s also talk of ABS becoming compulsory in South Africa from next year...

Fenner also added that while the GO initially will be the only model available here, the bigger GO+ may be considered for local consumption later. The on-Do and me-Do models will not be coming.

At a very competitive entry price of R89 500 for the Midspec model and R99 500 for the Lux (including a 3-year/100 000km warranty with roadside assistance) the Datsun GO will be available through 44 dealerships across the country.

This new Datsun contender is a well-sorted package and offers more than most would expect of a car in this class. Its appeal is more than just skin-deep and it has good levels of performance, economy and handling.