MOTORING NEWS - Ever since the revival of the Datsun brand four years ago, the Go model has been plagued with safety concerns.
After failing a disastrous initial crash test, the Go was upgraded with the addition of a driver airbag, albeit not on all models available in South Africa.
Set to launch an all-new Go model in South Africa next month, Datsun is confident that the car's improved safety features will be received well, even though structurally nothing has changed.
"You can expect a major upgrade in terms of safety as all models will feature two airbags and ABS brakes," says Datsun marketing director Kabelo Rabotho. "There will be big changes to the front and the rear of the Go, as well as an entirely new dashboard that will feature android connectivity. Our aim is still to to offer affordable access to mobility. But just because we might offer cheap cars, doesn't have to mean we offer lesser product because people still have aspirations. We can guarantee them proven Japanese durability and affordable maintenance with the cheapest part basket." At just a tad under R140 000 for the current entry-level offering, the Go is one of the cheapest new cars in South Africa.
Rabotho says buyers can expect a slight increase on the new version. "It's something that is unavoidable keeping the current economic climate in mind," he said.
"We are in the first chapter of a changing brand and the brand
must continue to evolve. We also aim to compete in various other segments of the market.
"We have quite a unique blend of buyers at this stage. On the one hand we've got a lot of people between 18 and 35 buying a car for the first time.
"On the other hand we have retired people looking to buy what they consider to be their last car."
Rabotho says over 300 000 units of the Go have been sold globally since 2014 in a limited market including South Africa, India and Indonesia.
Datsun has expanded to Zimbabwe and plan further expansion into Africa. In South Africa, Datsun is available at 110 of the 120 Nissan dealerships. The new model will be launched in November.
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