Dear Scotty,
Since you were curious about Datsun in your recent video, I think you’ll find this interesting.
Datsun was relaunched in 2013 in developing markets as a way to launch ultra low cost products (severe cost cutting) which even Nissan wasn’t willing to put their badge on. These vehicles have severely compromised chassis components & often receive 0 star crash safety scores.
The Datsun Go is basically a rebadged Nissan Micra K13 with a HR12DE (1.2L) engine mated to a 5 speed manual (or optional Jatco CVT). They are extremely popular among the cost conscious private car owners & Uber drivers in Asia.
Datsun vehicles are presently sold in India, Nepal, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Lebanon & Indonesia.
As far as I’m aware, they’re presently produced in Chennai (India) and exported to other parts of the world.
Datsun Go 0 star crash test video (no airbags) -
Datsun Go 2 star crash test video (with 1 airbags) -
They are extremely light vehicles to drive and feel unsafe above 60mph. For comparison, a Honda Fit feels 10 times safer & better put together than the Datsun Go. But since they’re bare bones, they tend to last a while with basic maintenance.
Thanks for sharing that was interesting. Yeah countries that allow non-crashcompliant vehicles it's a dangerous thing for sure but you can make cars a lot cheaper
