Top 4 Datsun GO features that stand out from the competition

By Martin Pretorius

 

After arriving on local shores in 2014 as the least-expensive new car in the country, the Datsun GO has become a favourite of budget-conscious buyers. Now, following its mid-life facelift at the end of 2018, it’s rather well-equipped on top of being inexpensive, making for a much more enticing overall package.

To be honest, the original GO was a bit of a penalty box, because it came with a standard equipment list devoid of almost any frills. After all, that low price has to come from somewhere, right? However, the latest round of additions has added a number of nice-to-haves and vital safety equipment to the standard spec sheet, albeit at a slightly higher price. We look at some of the new features, which not only brings the GO (and GO+ 7-seater) up to par with its competition, but even makes it stand out in a crowded field.

 

1. Rear parking sensors

Adding this handy feature as standard across the range is properly thoughtful. Seeing as a GO is very likely to be bought by new or inexperienced drivers, having that extra help will be a real bonus when parking in the crowded spaces where you’re most likely to find these cars. As of the time of writing, no other car in the entry-level GO’s price class has this feature as an option, let alone as standard equipment.

 

2. 7-inch Touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth

The swanky colour touchscreen is almost unique among its competition, with almost none of the GO’s other price competitors (even in high-trim “Lux” specification) has offering anything similar. If you’re lucky, most opponents will have at best a very rudimentary radio with the basic connection options. Only the smaller Renault Kwid features a similar touchscreen and infotainment setup around the same price point.

 

3. Electric windows all round

Sure, we’ve come to expect electric windows as a standard feature in most modern cars, but in the absolute bargain basement where the GO operates, most of its opponents still make do with manual wind-up side glass, or electric operation for the front windows only. Having this luxury item as standard, and on all four doors as well, sets the GO apart from all of its opponents.

 

4. Electric side mirrors

As with electric windows, electric side mirrors are expected in most modern cars, but they really are the exception to the rule in the budget car class. Seeing them fitted as standard to all GO derivatives reinforces the impression that the Datsun GO offers quite a lot of extra value over its competitors. 

 

While the top-trim GO Lux is priced in a slightly uncomfortable spot (very close to its nicer relative, the Nissan Micra Active, and not too far below the Suzuki Swift), the normal, entry-level Datsun GO definitely has the GOods to take the fight to its opposition in its price class. The list of features above really makes it stand out from its competitors.