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Datsun GO

Tinashe Makichi
Nissan has over the years used a very interesting strategy to market its cars; where apart from the cars sold directly with its symbol, the Japanese car-maker has dedicated brands catering for the different needs of varied markets.

Now that the sales focus is shifting to developing markets, Nissan is introducing yet another brand, actually resurrecting an old brand, Datsun, which will concentrate on selling budget cars.

The new Datsun GO is the new budget hatchback from the Nissan stable and is already selling in the Zimbabwean market under the dealership of Nissan Clover Leaf.

Nissan revived the Datsun brand after a period of 30 years and the Datsun Go comes with mobility, physical and social access to opportunities.

The Datsun brand dates back to the earliest days of Japanese car building. Datsun evolved to become an automaker recognised as durable, attractive and trustworthy.

More than 20 million Datsun vehicles were sold in 190 countries during its more than 50-year run.

“A brand supported and loved by many worldwide, this is the spirit the new Datsun brings to young risers.

Our heritage and guiding principles are reflected in the badge of the Risers. Honouring the spirit of an earlier Datsun, the centre portion retains the essence of the original logo,” said Nissan.

Surrounded by a hexagon inspired by shiny bolts, the rest of the badge conveys a modern robustness and the confidence to succeed in a new world.

The New Datsun Go has a well built physic, which makes it outclass some of its narrow, flat-sided competitors.

Wide, deeply curving shoulders on Datsun GO suggest substance and strength and they make a nice impression on the driver behind you.

“Its reliability, durability and quality are must-have traits and help in your decision making. Its sculptured fenders flowing smoothly into the front end, these bold, curvy fenders make a statement.

“It’s the kind of daring design you usually see in more expensive luxury cars,” said a motoring fan Miss Emma Borerwe.

It is crazy how the same language someone would use to describe their love for fashion is the same that I would use to describe a well engineered vehicle.

The vehicle has a sleek interior design classy and too nice for its price. It is quite a smart package priced at $13 500 at Clover Leaf Motors.

Inside, clean, simple and modern is the key, with an emphasis on thoughtful details that reflect quality.

Consider the elegant, dipping line of the dash inspired by a bird’s wing, just the right touch of silver accents, and the gear-lever placed on the instrument panel in easy reach of the steering wheel, and even the clever shape of the door handles.

For a tiny car it has a responsive power train, obviously better than the popular Datsun 120Y.

There’s a little bit of race car in every Datsun GO. Its 1.2-L engine is one of the largest in its class, borrowing “perfect circle bore machining” from racecar technology to deliver class-leading power and torque.

You will love the get up and go, while a counterbalance system minimises noise and vibration to give you a quiet, smooth ride.

To buttress the good of the vehicle is its frugal fuel economy. Datsun GO gets an impressive 5,2 litres per 100km and is competitive in its segment, even though Datsun GO is bigger inside and out.

So for every 1 litre of petrol you can push it to about 20km.