Datsun Cars
I was eleven years old when I crashed the Datsun through the farm gate. The gate went flying into the bossies, I stalled the engine and my grandpa muttered about fixing the brakes. The Datsun was fine, just a few more scars on the hardworking 1300 farm bakkie I was learning to drive with.
That bakkie was a strange light blue, double headlights on a chrome grille, and rust in places where other bakkies did not have places. I loved it.
Everyone has a Datsun memory. Your uncle’s SSS, the iconic Datsun 280ZS making a noise outside the disco, a road trip in the indestructible 1200 bakkie with a canopy and eight friends in the back. There was a real sense of loss when the brand was phased out and replaced with Nissan in the early ‘80s.
Fortunately for fans, Datsun was revived in 2013 as an entry-level brand for emerging markets. The first Datsun GO was sold in India in 2014 – 100 years after the DAT-GO was launched in Japan by an early precursor of Nissan. The new GO was launched in SA late in ’14 and today buyers can choose between the GO, GO+ 7-seater and GO+ Panel van.
Although Datsun is being sold in 14 countries, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Russia and Kazakhstan are the main markets. Most Datsun models worldwide are based on the CMF-A. This Renault Nissan Common Module Family is a system of compatible, interchangeable modules like engine bays or electronics. Sort of like very high tech Lego aimed at reducing development and manufacturing costs. The A-designation is the smallest range, typified by the Renault Kwid. The CMF-C/D is represented by cars such as the Nissan X-Trail.
The Datsun Go and Go+ recently had an extensive facelift both outside and in the interior, with significant safety feature upgrades. A brand new successor is expected around 2021.
The Datsun Redi-GO was launched for the Indian market in 2016. It is based on, but smaller than, the Renault Kwid, with an 800cc three-cylinder engine. In 2017 a 1000cc model was launched. A facelift/upgrade is expected towards the end of the year, with a new model due in 2023.
In Indonesia, the Datsun Cross, based on the GO+, was recently launched. It is a little wider and taller than its ancestor. It is a 7-seater with the same 1.2l engine. At this stage, it is not known if it will be sold in South Africa.
The Russian Datsuns are subcompacts based on the Lada Granta and Kalina. They are a 4-door sedan called the on-DO and a 5-door hatch called the mi-DO. Both have 1.6l engines and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. They were launched in 2014 and new models are expected in 2023.
Datsun fills an important niche. If you have several children and some dogs, you would not buy this brand. But if you are young and single and looking to zip around in style on a budget, or retired with an empty nest, this is worth a look.
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