Handover Day: The Datsun Go's main controls explained

 

By Martin Pretorius

Following a very comprehensive facelift of the Datsun Go, its main controls have changed somewhat from those of the earlier version. It gained a host of new standard features, which might make getting into a new Go a very different experience to those who were used to the old car. Here's a quick overview of the main controls you'll need to know, before you can drive off into the sunset.

We're going to assume that you managed to unlock the door, get in, and buckle your safety belt all by yourself. We're also not going to try to explain any unusual controls fitted to your vehicle – that's what the owner's manual is for, so please read it!

1. Ignition key

This is where you turn the car on and off, and where you can turn on power to the accessories to operate the windows and play the radio.

2. Indicator stalk and light switch

It's hidden away behind the steering wheel, but by all means, please use it. This one operates those cheerful little lights on the outside corners of your car, which show other road users which way you're going to turn.

To turn on the head- and tail lights, twist the end of this stalk clockwise, and to turn them off, twist it counter-clockwise. Simple.

3. Wipers

When the rain starts to fall, moving this stalk up or down operates the wipers. It also operates the screen washer (pull the lever towards you) and the rear screen wiper (twist the end of the stalk).

4. Hazard warning lights

Only use this in case of an emergency or when you encounter hazardous conditions. A Gauteng rainstorm doesn't count as an emergency, and neither does double parking!

5. Hooter

Use this noise maker to warn other road users of your presence, or to say a last good-bye to your family as you pull out of your driveway.

6. Steering wheel

Use this to make your car change direction.

7. Pedals

The rightmost one is the accelerator – it makes the car go faster,

The middle one is the brake – it makes the car go slower.

The left one is the clutch – press this before you change gears, and release it slowly to pull away.

8. Gear selector

This lever lets you decide in which direction you want to travel, and how fast. You have 5 forward gears to work with, with reverse being to the right and down.

9. Handbrake

Only use this when parking. For the new Go, it’s moved from an umbrella-type lever on the dashboard, to a normal lever mounted between the seats. If the lever is pulled up, the parking brake is on, and if it's down, the parking brake is off.

10. Infotainment system

Another new addition, the new Go has a nice touchscreen audio system as standard. This is where you can play your favourite music, connect your phone via Bluetooth, or tune in to the afternoon drive show on your way home.

11. Air-con controls

This is where you set the cabin temperature you want, and how much fresh air the fan has to blow through the vents.

12. Mirror adjustment

The new electric side mirrors are adjusted by manipulating this square four-direction switch. Select between left- and right-hand mirrors by flipping the little slide switch alongside.

13. Central locking

A convenient central spot from which you can lock or unlock all the doors at once.

14. Window controls

Another central control spot, this time to open or close the windows, as well as disable the rear door glass to keep your children safely in the car.