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Kinsey Report 2015 names Datsun Go the most affordable car in South Africa

Datsun Go

The Datsun GO, the first new Datsun offering to be introduced on the South African market since the brand’s return in 2014, has received its second major accolade for the year –  this time from the authoritative, independent Kinsey Report, which monitors the cost of everyday motoring in South Africa.

In time for its first birthday in October 2015, the Datsun GO became the best-selling vehicle in the competitive A-segment in the critical dealer channel recording sales of 5 972 units since October 2014.

The 2015 Kinsey Report has confirmed that the Datsun GO’s ‘parts basket’ is also the most affordable in the entry level category, giving the model two highly significant industry firsts that have  it setting the pricing pace going into 2016.

The vehicle also scores well in the three major categories used by Kinsey (see list below) to evaluate the costs of maintaining and repairing cars, and which, in the 2015 report, were applied to a total of 74 vehicles across nine motoring categories (all costs monitored included VAT.).

When all categories listed below are taken into account, the total for the Datsun GO cost basket comes in at a significantly low (R 37 631.73), ahead of its stable-mate, the second vehicle in the segment, the Nissan Micra (at R44 479.41):

  • Category A: covers everyday replaceable items, such as air filters, spark/glow plugs, brake pads/shoes and wiper blades.
  • Category B: covers major items, such as cam belts, shock absorbers, clutch and pressure plates, flywheels, and fan belts.
  • Category C: looks at major replacement body costs, such as bonnets, grilles, doors, fenders and bumper skins, and light assemblies.

Comparative costs for the same basket of spares for the most expensive vehicle in the entry level of the market come in at R91 209.93 – more than twice that of the Datsun GO!

At a listed retail price of R102 500, when the study was conducted, the Datsun GO is also South Africa’s most economical brand new car.

“Seeing the results of the 2015 Kinsey Report for the ‘city cars and entry level’ category reaffirms the decision by Datsun to re-enter the South African market, which many pundits said was overcrowded – particularly in the segment in which the GO was to compete, ” says Des Fenner, General Manager of Datsun South Africa.

“When we reintroduced the Datsun brand to local motorists, we said that we would be building on the Datsun heritage of the 1970s and 1980s, when the range was acknowledged as a brand that was accessible to new motorists and offered purchasers a stylish, economical and reliable alternative to more expensive vehicles.

“We are proud that, in the first year of the Datsun name returning to our shores, we have made it possible for a new generation of drivers to acquire their first brand new vehicle, and so break through to independence.

“What’s more, we are pleased that the Kinsey Report has affirmed our other primary objective; making the Datsun GO one of the easiest and most affordable vehicles to keep on the road. This is particularly important when the present financial pressures on personal and motoring budgets are considered.

“There is always going to be an appetite for quality affordable entry level models in South Africa. Our aim is to continue to provide choice to buyers who never thought they could own a new car – a vehicle that presently enjoys the full product and service support of more than 60 dealers across the country, something to be expected of one of the world’s most renowned motoring brand names.

“The recent NAAMSA sales figures, backed by the latest Kinsey Report, show that South Africans appreciate not only a vehicle that offers low fuel consumption, but also cuts back on maintenance costs. We believe that during 2016, the Datsun GO will reaffirm its status as South Africa’s most desirable entry level vehicle,” concludes Mr Fenner.

Also view:

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