Nissan Datsun: technical...

When it comes to compact and fuel-efficient cars, Nissan Datsun (also known as DAIHATSU in some regions) occupies a special place in the market. This model, created on the basis of the platform Datsun GO And Datsun on-DO, has become popular due to its accessibility, unpretentiousness and adaptability to Russian road conditions. However, many buyers still confuse it with classic models Nissan, not suspecting that solutions from Renault-Nissan Alliance taking into account the budget segment.

In this article we will analyze in detail Nissan Datsun technical specifications, including parameters of engines, transmissions, chassis and fuel consumption. We will pay special attention unique feature of the model - the use of the platform B0 (with Renault Logan/Sandero), which affects reliability and maintainability. We will also compare the car with its main competitors: Lada Granta, Kia Rio And Hyundai Solaristo help you make informed choices.

Model range overview: Datsun mi-DO, on-DO and GO

Ruler Nissan Datsun in Russia it is represented by three main models, each of which is focused on different needs:

🚗 Datsun on-DO — a sedan with a classic body, optimal for family use. Based on the platform Lada Granta, but with modified suspension and interior.
🚙 Datsun mi-DO - a hatchback characterized by compactness and maneuverability. Suitable for urban use.
🌍 Datsun GO/GO+ - budget models for developing markets (India, Indonesia), not officially sold in Russia, but found on the secondary market.

All models are equipped 1.6 liter petrol engines, but with different power and torque settings. For example, on-DO And mi-DO equipped with a motor HR16DE (106 hp), whereas GO in some countries it gets easier BR06 (76 hp). It's important to note that Datsun is positioned as a budget brand, so the interior and equipment use the simplest possible solutions - no frills, but with an emphasis on reliability.

Interesting fact: despite belonging to the alliance Renault-Nissan, Datsun assembled at the factory AvtoVAZ in Tolyatti, which reduces the final cost of the car. This also means that many parts are interchangeable with Lada, which simplifies repairs.

📊 Which Datsun body is closer to you?

Sedan (on-DO)
Hatchback (mi-DO)
I don't know, I'm still choosing
Another option

Engine technical characteristics: power, consumption, service life

With my heart Nissan Datsun is 1.6 liter petrol engine HR16DE, familiar from models Nissan Almera And Renault Logan. This motor belongs to the series HR, developed jointly with Renault, and is famous for its unpretentiousness. However, depending on the model and year of manufacture, its characteristics may vary.

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Parameter	Datsun on-DO/mi-DO (HR16DE)	Datsun GO (BR06, for comparison)
Volume, cm³	1598	1198
Power, hp	106	76
Torque, Nm	145
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km	9.2	7.5
Resource before overhaul, km	250 000–300 000	200 000–250 000

Engine HR16DE equipped with a distributed fuel injection system and 16-valve timing chain drive, which eliminates the need for owners to adjust valve clearances. However, the chain requires monitoring: when stretched, it begins to rattle on a cold engine. Replacing the chain costs 15,000–20,000 rubles (with work), so it is recommended to check its condition every 100,000 km.

As for fuel consumption, in the combined cycle Datsun on-DO consumes about 7.5–8.5 l/100 km, and in the city this figure rises to 9–10 l/100 km. Owners note that actual consumption depends on driving style and quality of gasoline: AI-92 The motor runs stably, but it is better to fill it AI-95 to extend the resource.

⚠️ Attention: When operating on gas (gas), engine life HR16DE is reduced by 15–20%. The manufacturer does not recommend installing gas equipment, as this voids the warranty and increases the risk of overheating.

Transmission: manual vs automatic

Nissan Datsun Available with two types of gearboxes: 5-speed manual And 4-speed automatic. The choice of transmission directly affects dynamics, fuel consumption and driving comfort.

⚙️ Manual transmission (JR5) - reliable unit from Renault, familiar from models Logan And Sandero. The gear ratios are selected for city driving, but on the highway the engine lacks a “long” fifth gear.
🔄 Automatic transmission (DP2) — 4-speed automatic transmission with torque converter. An outdated design, but time-tested. The main disadvantage is increased fuel consumption (up to 10–11 l/100 km in the city).

Comparison of dynamic characteristics:

Parameter	Mechanics	Automatic
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	10.6	12.1
Max. speed, km/h	175	165
Consumption in the city, l/100 km	9.2	10.5

Owners Datsun with a machine gun they often complain about "dullness" of the box when overtaking and climbing. To reduce wear, it is recommended:

Check the oil level regularly (every 10,000 km)

Avoid sudden starts and kickdowns

Use only original oil (Nissan Matic Fluid D)

Warm up the box in winter before driving (2–3 minutes) -->

A manual transmission is considered more reliable, but it also has weaknesses: input shaft bearings may start buzzing after 150,000 km, and the second gear synchronizers wear out during aggressive driving. Replacing the clutch costs 12,000–15,000 rubles (kit + work).

Suspension and chassis: pros and cons

Chassis Nissan Datsun built on the platform B0, which also underlies Renault Logan And Lada Granta. This means that the front suspension is MacPherson type, and the back - semi-independent torsion beam. This design is easy to maintain, but has limitations in terms of comfort on rough roads.

Main suspension elements:

🔧 Front pillar — shock absorbers Sachs or Kayaba, resource 80,000–100,000 km. A common problem is leaking seals.
🛠️ Ball joints - serve 50,000–70,000 km, when worn, a knocking sound appears on bumps.
🔩 Wheel bearings - nursed 100,000–120,000 km, but are afraid of getting water (for example, when driving through puddles).
🚗 Rear beam — reliable, but silent blocks require replacement every 100,000 km.

Reviews from owners about the chassis are mixed: on the one hand, the suspension withstands Russian roads, on the other hand - parts wear out faster than European competitors. For example, stabilizer links on Datsun serve on average 30,000–40,000 km, whereas on Kia Rio - up to 60,000 km.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing struts or shock absorbers, be sure to check the condition support bearings. Their wear leads to play in the steering wheel and uneven tire wear. The cost of replacing a support bearing is from 3,000 rubles per side.

The brake system is standard for the class: front disc brakes (ventilated on top versions) and rear drums. Brake pads last for 30,000–40,000 km, disks - on 80,000–100,000 km. The main complaint is poor braking performance on wet roads, therefore it is recommended to install high-quality pads (for example, Ferodo or ATE).

Dimensions, ground clearance and load capacity

Compact dimensions Nissan Datsun make it an ideal choice for the city, but it is important to consider the load capacity and ground clearance when operating on country roads.

Parameter	Datsun on-DO (sedan)	Datsun mi-DO (hatchback)
Length, mm	4337	3950
Width, mm	1700	1666
Height, mm	1500	1525
Ground clearance, mm	174	170
Trunk volume, l	530	265 (1000 with seats folded)
Curb weight, kg	1060	1030

Clearance 170–174 mm allows you to confidently overcome city speed bumps and shallow snowdrifts, but the car is not intended for off-road use. When fully loaded (maximum weight - 1500 kg) clearance decreases by 20–30 mm, which is worth considering when traveling to the country.

Load capacity Datsun amounts to 440–470 kg (depending on the configuration). This means that when carrying four passengers, the trunk can be loaded with no more than 100–150 kg. Excessive load leads to:

🔴 Rear suspension sagging and handling deterioration.
🔴 Increased wear of shock absorbers and springs.
🔴 Increased braking distance.

For comparison: Lada Granta higher load capacity (500 kg), but Datsun wins in the reliability of the body (galvanized parts) and corrosion resistance.

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If you plan to transport heavy loads, install springs with increased rigidity (for example, from Lesjofors). This will prevent sagging and improve handling.

Operation and typical problems

Like any budget car, Nissan Datsun has a number of “childhood diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. Most problems are related to savings on materials and simplified design.

The most common complaints from owners:

🔊 Creaks and knocks in the cabin — the plastic of the instrument panel and door cards is of low quality, begins to creak after the first year of operation. Solution: treatment with silicone grease.
💡 Electronics problems — the power windows fail, the comfort unit fuses blow. Most often, oxidized contacts are to blame.
🔥 Engine overheating - occurs when the radiator is clogged or the thermostat is faulty. It is recommended to flush the cooling system every 60,000 km.
🛞 Uneven tire wear - associated with wheel alignment violation. Requires inspection every 15,000 km.

One of the most serious problems is corrosion of sills and arches, despite the galvanized body. This is due to poor processing of welds at the factory. To avoid rust, it is recommended:

Apply anti-corrosion coating to the sills and underbody in the first 6 months of operation

Wash the body regularly in winter (especially after treating roads with reagents)

Check the drainage holes in the doors and trunk (they often become clogged with dirt) -->

One more nuance - poor sound insulation. At speeds over 90 km/h You can hear noise from the wheels and wind in the cabin. Many owners install additional sound insulation (for example, StP or Bitumast), which reduces the noise level by 20–30%.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Datsun be sure to check the condition fuel tank. In some batches (2014–2016), there were tanks with welding defects, which led to gasoline leaks. The manufacturer recalled such cars, but not all were replaced.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Main competitors Nissan Datsun in the budget segment - Lada Granta, Kia Rio And Hyundai Solaris. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Datsun on-DO	Lada Granta	Kia Rio	Hyundai Solaris
New price, rub.	from 750,000	from 700,000	from 1,000,000	from 950,000
Power, hp	106	98/106	100/123	100/123
Consumption in the city, l/100 km	9.2	9.5	7.5	7.8
Warranty, years	3	3	5	5
Maintainability	High (many common parts with Lada)	Very high	Average (expensive parts)	Average

Datsun Pros:

✅ Lowest price among foreign competitors.
✅ Simple and cheap to repair chassis.
✅ Good corrosion resistance of the body.

Datsun Cons:

❌ Outdated 4-speed automatic transmission.
❌ Poor noise insulation and quality of plastic.
❌ Fewer choice of configurations compared to Kia/Hyundai.

If your budget is limited 800,000 rubles, and the priority is low cost of ownership, then Datsun will be a smart choice. However, if you are willing to pay extra for comfort and modern technology, it is better to consider Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris.

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Datsun beats the Lada Granta in terms of body and suspension reliability, but loses to the Koreans in equipment and dynamics.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Datsun

❓ What engine do Datsun on-DO and mi-DO have?

Both models are equipped 1.6 liter petrol engine HR16DE power 106 hp (paired with manual transmission or automatic transmission). This motor is also installed on Nissan Almera And Renault Logan.

❓ How much oil is in the HR16DE engine?

Engine oil volume HR16DE amounts to 4.3 liters (with filter replacement). Recommended oil - 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Liqui Moly Special Tec AA or Mobil Super 3000).

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of Datsun?

According to owner reviews:

🚗 City: 9–11 l/100 km (depending on traffic jams and driving style).
🛣️ Route: 6–7 l/100 km at speed 90–110 km/h.
⛽ Mixed cycle: 7.5–8.5 l/100 km.

On gas, consumption increases by 10–15%, but the savings in propane prices make up for it.

❓ What are Datsun's weakest points?

Nissan Datsun (DAIHATSU): technical specifications, engines and owner reviews