Datsun has been a fixture in the South African new-vehicle market for 5 yearsand, to mark the occasion, the budget-car brand has introduced a limited-edition, mid-range Go 1.2 Five derivative replete with racy-looking detailing. The firm is also offering the newcomer with a “Buy now, pay in 2021” payment-holiday deal…

The Japanese marque introduced an upgraded (especially in terms of safety spec) Go in Mzansi at the end of 2018 and, more recently, an automatic version of its Lux derivative, which we reviewed earlier this year. Now, in celebration of half a decade of #DriveLifeToTheFull, Datsun has expanded its budget-car range with the 1.2 Five derivative, which is available in Black, Blue or Silver exterior finishes.

Brightly-coloured seatbelts are usually reserved for exotic sportscars or performance modelsof German premium marques.

The newcomer is instantly recognisable by virtue of its striped body graphics, with colour-matched accents on the grille and 14-inch wheel covers. Although its spec is closer to 1.2 Mid derivative, the 1.2 Five has LED running lights (as on the 1.2 Lux), as well as a sporty tailgate spoiler.

Inside, the 1.2 Five features a host of complementary yellow accents, including matching seatbelts. The derivative-specific upholstery incorporates honeycomb-pattern stitching as well as yellow stitching and piping to tie in with the ‘belts. It also appears that the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning control panel, which sits just below the Android Auto & Apple Car Play-compatible touchscreen infotainment system (that offers Google Maps, App Support andVoice Recognition, which is quite a luxury on a budget car) has an additional carbon-fibre-like finish.

The 1.2 Five features LED running lights and its wheels are adorned with black covers with yellow accents.

Like its fellow Go offerings, the new addition is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) petrol motor thatproduces 50 kW and 104 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox and Datsun claims an average fuel economy figure of 5.2 L/100 km.

Standard interior features include speed-sensitive electric power steering, digital driver-info display, electric windows (fore and aft), manual aircon, the aforementioned Bluetooth-enabled 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with USB and auxiliary sockets), plus a 12V accessory socket.

The fascia features a piano black surround and carbon-fibre-like insert for the HVAC controls.

Meanwhile, the newcomer's safety specificationcomprises dual front airbags (driver and front passenger), ABS, follow-me-home headlight function and rear parking sensors, which is the same as the 1.2 Mid (electronic stability control is exclusive tothe 1.2 Lux).

The 1.2 Five costs R178830, which includes a 6-year/150 000 km manufacturer warranty. Service intervals are every 1 year/15 000 km andservice and maintenance plans are optionally available. Compare the newcomer with its 1.2 Mid and 1.2 Lux siblings in terms of price & spec.

A sporty roof spoiler sets the 1.2 Five apart from its Go siblings.

As listed on Cars.co.za’s Car Specials page, the 1.2 Five and all Go derivativesare being offered on a deal that allows buyers to make their purchases now, but only pay their 1st instalment at the end of January 2021. Terms and Conditions apply. Offer expires at the end of September.

Check out the Cars.co.za Car Special on the Datsun Go

Search for a used Go on Cars.co.za

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