Remember it, its still my all time fav.
Taxi drivers in Alex enjoyed staring at it and one had a gut to approach us for a quick peek.
Yes, it similar to the famous Toyota Avanza famously usually used as taxis in some locations- simply because it’s a 7 seater multi-purpose vehicle, a real little panel van with a proper loadbay.
“I should get umlungu (my boss) to get something nice as this,” he said beating his chest.
Launched October 2016, the GO+ has a modern 1.1 litre 3-cylinder engine which pushes out 50kW 105 Nm letting you get to 160 km/h eventually. Like the original 1400 bakkie it does not have ABS or EBD, talk of lack of improvement in that department.
The Go+ is a simple panel Van and simple to drive. There is nothing fancy, but what it has got works well. The aircon cools the whole van down in no time. The engine is a tad noisy but is very willing in town conditions. The breaks are fine but be warne
d: No ABS!
Yes, I was told the core market for this brand is for discerning SMMEs but that does not mean no ABS breaks, ahem!
The quality, fit and finish of the interior is somewhat industrial but is acceptable. The rear door has a remote lock.
It comes with a docking station or unit into which you can plug a GPS, phone or iPod. It has a USB port for charging.
The GO+ van has all the creature comforts of the car on which it is based. Electric front windows, air conditioner, neat little trip and consumption indicator, bottle holders and the like are standard with a radio. Yes, you can bring along your old Rebecca Malope or the late Mandoza’s CDs for reminiscing.
Me think this little panel van is going to do very well, especially considering the price and low operating costs.
Whilst taking it for more rigorous tests, we ended up at Braamfontein (capital for learning institutions) and voila, some students almost ten of them, were packed inside. Guess what, they looked comfortable. Now you understand the price affordability?
With a total loading capacity of 542 kg and a loading area of 3.4m³ it is ideal for small businesses that need to deliver and/ or collect small to medium sized parcels/ goods.
It boast the biggest cargo space and cargo carrying capacity of 542kgs – about 267kgs more than its closest priced competitor, in the upper A-segment/ lower B-segment.
This past Saturday, we took a turn to the RedSquare dance finale in Garankuwa, Pretoria and only then fuel bars began slowing down, considering we had it since Wednesday. This comes hot in the heels as a relief when fuel will be decreasing, as we reported on Tuesday.
It claims an economical 1.2 litre petrol engine that delivers 50kW at 5 000 rpm Torque 104 Nm at 4 000 rpm and fuel (Petrol) consumption of 5.2 litres per 100km in an urban/country cycle.
Despite competitors Toyota Avanza, Honda Mobilio and Suzuki Ertiga, I would strongly recommend GO+ van for up coming small businesses, stru!
Modern consumers are spoilt for choice. So how is brand loyalty created, and what keeps a buyer going back to a favoured brand – especially in the highly competitive car market?
The answer isn’t as simple as it seems, says Des Fenner, General Manager of Datsun South Africa, following the company’s first offering in the GO series three years ago, and is already attracting repeat customers with its new models.
“Customer loyalty is something that all companies strive to achieve.
The first factor that begins building car brand loyalty in South Africa is undoubtedly one thing – emotion. A car makes an emotional connection with a buyer because it satisfies his or her needs as far as design, visual appeal and features are concerned.”
“Then, as we have found with the Datsun GO series, the practical issues follow.”
Retail price R 149 900 (incl. VAT)
The 5 year service plan includes replacement of lock nuts, average labour rate, engine oil and some consumables.
Datsun provides a 3 year/100 000km warranty.
Verdict
1-10 (Performance) 5
1-10 (Fuel) 7
