On your marks, Get set, Go!!

Statistics show that more than 50% of people in SA rely on public transport whether it is taxi’s, busses or trains. For most of those people this is the only mode of transport. If any one of these public transport systems strike there is no other way of getting to work, thus no income for that period or even dismissal from work. One action has a snowball effect on the lives of the users.

Not to mention that if you make use of this transport you have to get out of the house by 4 in the morning, walk to the nearest point where you can catch the first of multiple transport vehicles just to be on time for work. Praying that you will arrive alive.

During the recent new Datsun Go launch, hosted in Gauteng, we had a race: Datsun Go vs public transport. Our representative using the taxis was Thuto. We started off at Culinary Table on the outskirts of Johannesburg taking a scenic route through Soweto, having a quick stop for a refreshing smoothie at Maponya Mall, before continuing to our end destination in Pretoria at No89 restaurant for lunch. Considering the city traffic we encountered, driving in the Datsun Go was a breeze. Reaching the end with a cheer.

An hour after our arrival pour Thuto joined us, exhausted and nearly dehydrated after the trip. He had to change taxis on route, waiting for other users to fill up the taxi, being squashed in and sitting on the floor as the taxi was over loaded. The whole trip cost him approximately R180 and 3 hours in travelling. Just to think that this route is a typical example for most people staying in Soweto and working in Pretoria. Keep in mind that this was just one way.

So next time you see a new Datsun Go, realize who this car is aimed at and the world of freedom it brings to their first-time owners. Yes, there were safety concerns with the first Datsun Go models, but even then a Go was far safer than walking the street (sometimes at night), cycling or commuting in a taxi. Public transport has started to become a major problem for a lot of ambitious go-getters with a sense of style who want to achieve their life dreams. Datsun has brought the solution – The new Datsun Go and Go+ with a fresh look, modern features and advanced technology all at a low cost of ownership, safety qualities and a high level of features. All journalists present concurred that the new Go is a huge step up from the previous models.

The new Go and Go+ models are powered by an energetic 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 50kW at 5,000rpm and 104Nm at 4,000rpm paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission. An impressive fuel efficiency of 5.2 litres per 100km will give you peace of mind with the increase of petrol price. The Datsun Go is a spacious 5-seater hatchback and the Go+ versatile 7-seater, which is also offered as a panel van for the upcoming entrepreneur.

These Datsun GO and GO+ models come with a standard 3-year/100,000km warranty and an optional service plan. In addition, consumers will receive one-year insurance with the purchase of a GO or GO+.

Datsun GO Mid Spec: R144 500

Datsun GO Lux Spec: R165 500

Datsun GO+ 7-seater Mid: R154 200

Datsun GO+ 7-seater Lux: R175 900

Datsun GO+ Panel Van: R155 200

Saving just R75 a day will empower you to own the brand-new Datsun GO

Owning a new car is no longer a costly indulgence reserved only for those with deep pockets. By foregoing small daily treats or saving the money you would normally use for public transport, you could be the proud owner of a brand-new Datsun GO for as little as R75 a day.

The Datsun GO Mid Spec model costs a total of R144 500. This means over a period of six years with zero-percent deposit, R75 a day would pay off this zippy car as well as cover the costs of interest.

There are a number of ways you could scrounge together R75 every day. Start looking at your daily spending habits and think of creative ways you could cut back a little. For example, skipping your morning latte and croissant from the local coffee shop is a good place to start.

Preparing lunches at home is another great way to save ZAR – not to mention healthier than the toasted tramezzini and cool drink from the office canteen. And when was the last time you looked over your subscription services and cleared out the ones you are not using anymore? Do you really need three video-on-demand services?

The Datsun GO also comes with a long list of safety features which will ensure that you are not skimping on what is really important. Standard specification includes reverse parking sensors, intermittent wipers, central locking, an immobiliser, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and retractable seatbelts.

So, have you figured out where that R75 is coming from yet?

Article: Rosalyn van Zyl