Datsun Go

The Datsun Go hatchback got a substantial shot in the arm with 2018’s update that brought with it revised styling, a spruced-up cabin and more equipment. And in a bid to improve the car’s safety image, dual airbags and ABS were also made standard with the update. Pricing is competitive but the Datsun doesn’t offer the option of an automatic transmission like its competitors.

The Datsun Go hatchback got a substantial shot in the arm with 2018’s update that brought with it revised styling, a ...

The Datsun Go hatchback got a substantial shot in the arm with 2018’s update that brought with it revised styling, a spruced-up cabin and more equipment. And in a bid to improve the car’s safety image, dual airbags and ABS were also made standard with the update. Pricing is competitive but the Datsun doesn’t offer the option of an automatic transmission like its competitors.

The Datsun Go no longer looks bargain-spec. The updated car’s larger wheels, shapelier bumpers and even bits like the body-coloured mirror casings have helped uplift the look. The smart, new dashboard and individual front seats have had the same impact on the cabin. Still, it’s not a premium space and some cost-cutting is apparent. Space for passengers is fair and the boot is usefully large.
The Datsun Go’s 68hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine is peppy and makes the car feel light on its feet. Smoother shifts on the 5-speed manual gearbox would have made the Go feel even nicer in town. Where the Datsun feels out of its comfort zone is on the highway. The engine loses steam above 80kph and the light body also tends to move about in crosswinds. The ride is also on the firmer side.

The Datsun Go no longer looks bargain-spec. The updated car’s larger wheels, shapelier bumpers and even bits like the...

The Datsun Go no longer looks bargain-spec. The updated car’s larger wheels, shapelier bumpers and even bits like the body-coloured mirror casings have helped uplift the look. The smart, new dashboard and individual front seats have had the same impact on the cabin. Still, it’s not a premium space and some cost-cutting is apparent. Space for passengers is fair and the boot is usefully large.
The Datsun Go’s 68hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine is peppy and makes the car feel light on its feet. Smoother shifts on the 5-speed manual gearbox would have made the Go feel even nicer in town. Where the Datsun feels out of its comfort zone is on the highway. The engine loses steam above 80kph and the light body also tends to move about in crosswinds. The ride is also on the firmer side.

Commendably, all versions of the Datsun Go get dual airbags, ABS, EBD and parking sensors as standard. However, it’s the Go in top-spec T(O) trim that gets our vote. It’s the only one with alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights, which do much for the look. Also part of the equipment on the T(O) is a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Commendably, all versions of the Datsun Go get dual airbags, ABS, EBD and parking sensors as standard. However, it’s ...

Commendably, all versions of the Datsun Go get dual airbags, ABS, EBD and parking sensors as standard. However, it’s the Go in top-spec T(O) trim that gets our vote. It’s the only one with alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights, which do much for the look. Also part of the equipment on the T(O) is a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.