Rather take it easy in the Datsun Go CVT - it's smoother

The car has it all. From smoother gear changes, less noise and fewer emissions to all-round better handling and driving. There's no doubt that the car is aimed at the entry market. Datsun has seen a year-on-year increase in sales of 17.4% and that is indeed remarkable in a depressed economy.

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What exactly is CVT?

Continuously Variable Transmission, better known as CVT, is a vehicle transmission system with a variable gear for different driving situations. It allows for seamless gear shifting and offers better power delivery and improved fuel economy when compared to traditional transmissions.

Hide Kuwayama, newly-appointed head of Datsun for South Africa, is confident that the new CVT versions of the Datsun GO and GO+ will prove a major disruptor for South Africa’s entry-level vehicle segment.

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The biggest benefit of CVT is an improved fuel economy. Other benefits include a rapid yet seamless acceleration, smooth and quiet engine. You can rest assured that you will always be in the right gear.

CVT technology provides better control than traditional automatic transmission technologies, by doing away with the lag during acceleration and the sports mode - yet another first for an automatic transmission in this segment – further enhances the overall driving experience.

What are the key features?

Key features include:

• Driver and Passenger Airbags
  
• ABS Braking
  
• Rear Park Sensors
  
• Follow me Headlamps
  
• LED Daytime Running Lights
  
• 7-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple Car play
  
• Roomy interior to seat five passengers (including driver)

Let's talk about...Safety

All new Datsun GO and GO+ CVT vehicles comes standard with traction control as well as two airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist - which were all added to the range in November last year.

In addition, all-new CVT models have been fitted with a new stability control system, called VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). VDC safety technology monitors various parameters - like wheel speed, steering wheel position and lateral acceleration - using on-board sensors. This information is further used to provide ESC (Electronic Stability Control).

Increased power

The new CVT version delivers 57kW of power at 6,000 rpm. That’s 7kW more than the manual transmission version. It is equipped with a 1,198cc three-cylinder engine and offers torque of 104 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Really speaking, you don’t need more than this.

The new Datsun GO and GO+ CVT come with front and rear power windows, battery saving features, remote key and power steering. It boasts 14-inch Alloy wheels and a chrome front grille frame and black main grille.

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It is available in a range of exciting colours including red, silver, grey, white, orange and the new colour Vivid Blue (additionally we have Sandstone Brown for GO+).

Verdict

First launched in the country back in 2014, the Datsun GO and GO+ have over the last five years established themselves as the vehicles of choice for those looking for a well-priced, reliable new set of wheels. The new Datsun GO and GO+ CVTs aim to make best-in-class technology accessible to progressive, self-driven young individuals everywhere. The fuel economy figures are impressive at 5.5l per 100km for the GO (Lux Manual) and 5.0l per 100 km for the Lux CVT.

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Pricing

• GO: Mid - R159,100 / Lux - R170,200 / CVT - R184,200
  
• GO+: Mid - R169,500 / Lux - R180,800 / CVT - R194,800 (Vat incl)

Prices include a one-year comprehensive insurance and a 6-year/150,000km warranty.