Datsun launches new Datsun Go+

With many a manufacturer launching a vehicle at this past week's SA Festival of Motoring, the launch of the Datsun Go+ snuck in under the radar.

Datsun has a 1.3% share of the local market with the diminutive Datsun Go and despite a few initial hiccups with public perception of the vehicle, the Go has captured the hearts of vibey youths who are getting into their first set of wheels.
 
On the heels of that success, Datsun South Africa has brought to market a new seven-seater MPV and its side model panel van in the Datsun Go+.

Aimed at young families who are making their first car purchase and larger families that are perhaps purchasing a second vehicle, the Datsun Go+ is priced very competitively while the Go+ panel van is aimed at small businesses who need a cost-effective mode of delivery that won't break the bank.

The overall design of the Go+ is strikingly familiar to the Suzuki Ertiga that it will be competing against. The front end shares many cues with the Go, maintaining the grille, headlight and bumper design across the ranges.

Engine and drivetrain

The Datsun Go+ MPV and Panel van will be powered by a 1.2l, three cylinder petrol engine that delivers 50kW and 104Nm, which should allow a top speed of 161km/h.
The engine will power the front wheels through a 5 speed manual gearbox that should yield fuel economy hovering around the 5.2l per 100km.

Styling and trim

Datsun has styled the Go+ in much the same way as the Go, aiming at a younger clientele that will appreciate the funky yet functional design features.

Inside you will find all the trimmings that you would expect in this segment and a few more to lure in those aforementioned younger consumers.

As far as electronics go, the audio system has a docking station that connects your phone or iPod and that is your in-car entertainment. The binnacle houses a first-in-segment digital tachometer and readout of fuel economy.

Everything in the Go+ and accompanying panel van are meant to be functional and efficient and probably one of the biggest advantages over its competition is the dark jacquard interior which will wear well day in and out.

The Go+ is available in a host of funky colours while the Panel Van is only available in a white or silver.

Pricing

As mentioned before the Datsun Go+ and panel van are priced very competitively as follows:

Datsun Go+ MPV	-  R134 900
Datsun Go+ Panel Van	- R 149 900

Both will carry Datsun’s 3 year / 100 000km warranty with optional service and maintenance plans.