How has Datsun South Africa made the Datsun Go safer?

The newly-formed Datsun South Africa started trading in South Africa in October 2014, launching with Datsun Go hatch at a low-low budget price. 

The only 2 other cheap new cars under R 100 000 are the smaller older Chery QQ3 (priced from R 88 900 to R 99 900) and Geely LC (R 92 990 to R 99 990) as at July 2014.  Datsun launched at R 89 500 for a new Datsun Go 1.2 Mid, and R 99 500 for the Datsun Go 1.2 Lux.  Prices has since increased to R 95 200 for the Mid and R 105 800 for the Lux.

Much criticised for lacking crucial safety features, the Datsun Go was launched to a more budget-conscious buyer, without items we have come to expect, like ABS brakes and airbags.  Some explained this away, citing the popularity of other budget hatches popular in South Africa, also without these safety features, such as the Toyota Tazz and Volkswagen CitiGolf… although both of these ceased production.

Now Datsun South Africa addressed this, partially, by adding a driver airbag as an option on the Lux model, priced at a still very low R 108 200.

Read the Auto Trader review on the Datsun Go 1.2 Lux (without airbag).