The Datsun Go hit the South African market a little under two years ago. And despite us being wary about the fact that it lacked basic safety equipment (such as ABS and airbags), it still saw respectable success in terms of sales.
As a result of this success, Datsun has decided to expand its range here in South Africa by adding two new models, both of which are based on the Go hatchback.
The Go+ is what you get when you take the standard Go and stretch it into a seven-seater MPV. Aimed to compete against the likes of the Honda Mobilio, Suzuki Ertiga and FAW Sirius S80, the Go+ MPV and Panel Van will be marketed as affordable family and commercial vehicles. Datsun, however, claims that these new models effectively create a new segment (upper A-/lower B-segment).
The Go+ comes standard with a third row of folding seats, a claimed luggage capacity of 347 litres (with said perches folded down), air conditioning, a trip computer, a mobile docking station and, perhaps most importantly, a driver’s airbag. It is powered by the same 50 kW 1,2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the hatchback, with a claimed fuel economy of 5,2 L/100 km.
The Panel Van, meanwhile, bins the rear seats in favour of a durable galvanised steel surface, along with a mesh divider to prevent cargo from flying into the cabin. It also comes equipped with “spinal support” seats, electric front windows, dark smash-and-grab window tints, remote door entry for the rear hatch which is also equipped with upgraded gas stays for a higher opening aperture. The total loading weight and capacity of the panel van is a claimed 542 kg and 3 430 dm3 respectively.
The Go+ MPV is priced at R134 900 and the Panel Van at R149 900.
