The Datsun Go and GO+ perfectly tick all the right boxes for the buyers in this segment.
Driving convenience and comfort level are enhanced.
They look upmarket and feel premium inside and have plenty of space for a small family.
The smooth CVT only adds to the convenience while driving in city that makes it a good package.
But the big factor will be the pricing, which Datsun will be announcing soon.
Photographs: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Video: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff.com
The Datsun Go is the first car released by the Japanese automaker Nissan under the Datsun brand since its revival in 2013 and Datsun GO and GO+ are in market for a long time.
After the update of Dastun GO and GO+ last year, what we got now is CVT (continuously variable transmission) version for Datsun GO and this CVT is not just for Datsun GO but also for GO+.
The main rivals for Datsun GO are Tata Tiago and Maruti Wagon R and both these cars are available with automatic option.
Datsun GO and GO+ the design is similar to the outgoing model, only difference is with the engine transmission.
The main highlight upfront is the massive piano black front grill.
There is a mesh pattern with chrome element added to it.
You get a nicely designed front bumper with vertical placed day time running LED light.
The front design looks sharp and sleek.
The headlight gets a follow-me-home lamps as standard across all variants.
At the side the main highlights are 14-inch diamond cut alloy wheels which are offered on the top variants.
But the 165/70 tyres looks skinny compared to car dimensions.
The roof rails are part of the accessories offered so I don't know how functional they are.
At the rear the main talking point is bumper and chrome lip at the base of the tail gate.
It gets a rear wiper and washer.
Rear parking sensors on the bumper are also offered standard across all variants.
So how do you differentiate automatic with the manual version?
There is a CVT batch on the boot led.
When the Datsun GO was launched it used to get a front bench and now it's gone with the last update.
Now there are captain seats in front and we get a conventional handbrake lever instead of umbrella type handbrake which was placed under the dashboard.
In spite of all black colour cabin the GO looks spacious from inside.
This version comes with a silver door handle.
The front seat is comfortable for long drive where as the back seat is not as spacious as compared to rivals but are adequate enough and does the job.
But you still don't get adjustable headrest upfront as well at rear.
The back headrest is also too small for my liking.
The instrument console consists an analogue tachometer and speedometer.
This looks pretty plain at this age.
What I, like is the Blaupunkt touch screen infotainment system.
This seven inch display comes with the top spec variant.
It's a nice compact unit but reflective.
The layout for this is inspired from Microsoft UI.
You get the tile layout which looks good and very easy to use.
It is bundled with Apple carplay and Android auto support.
With just two speakers offered in front, sound output is about average.
The car misses some basic features like automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, all door speakers and Passenger seat grab handle bar.
The dashboard is all black.
It looks like carbon texture but is total plastic.
The dashboard layout adds some sporty factor to it.
It also elevates the overall feel of the cabin.
The boot space is large and holds up to 265-litre of luggage.
Finally, Datsun has provided with a parcel shelf.
Datsun has used the same engine in CVT too but with improved output.
Power is transmitted by 1,198cc, 3 cylinder petrol engines.
Max power is generated at 77PS @6000 rpm and 104 Nm torque @4400 rpm.
Now the engine is a more refined, smooth and responsive.
The change is in the transmission. Now you get option of CVT transmission.
The CVT version get a creep function which is must for city stop go traffic.
This CVT is not punchiest automatic but while driving in relax manner, it's smooth and efficient.
There is a Sports mode on the lever in order to have a sporty response.
Sports mode increases the rpm of the engine.
This mode gets activated only in Drive mode.
Datsun has added engine insulation and cladding so you get minimal road noise inside the cabin.
The steering felt inconsistent off centre and there is more body roll than what you would expect.
On the plus side, the ride quality is decent and glides over small pothole and speed bumps and the suspension also remains rather quiet on rough roads.
As you cross 80 km/h mark, you will hear a beep sound. It's mandatory by the new regulation.
Out on the highway you feel the car is light and under powered.
The thin tyre don't give confidence while braking.
Thankfully dual front airbags and ABS comes as standard.
Engine is tuned towards the economy then the out ride performance.
The engine is quite sufficient for city usage and now with the CVT transmission it's more of a city car. Steering is also very light.
This makes the Datsun GO a lot easier car to live with.
Also on the paper the Datsun GO CVT delivers 20.07 kmpl of average.
The GO+ gets the similar feature as Datsun GO.
The dashboard gets black and beige combination.
The Datsun GO and GO+ are all similar except the 3rd row seat.
The GO+ isn't a proper 7 seater. We can call it as 5+2 seater.
There is no headrest on the last row as there is no space for it.
One is totally cramped up with head resting on the rear glass.
The 3rd row is absolutely no-no for adults as well as for children.
The best we can do is fold or remove the last row and use the extra space for luggage(347 litre).
Another concern for the Datsun in the past was its structural safety and now the company claims it has done a major upgrade to make it safer and reliable.
In this process the weight of the vehicle has increased.
Nissan India has announced the bookings for the CVT variants of Datsun GO and GO+.
Customers can pre-book Datsun Go CVT and Go+ CVT with a fully refundable amount of Rs 11,000.
Datsun has targeted both of them as perfect city cars. CVT is available only with top two variant.
Out of the two we will recommend you the conventional hatchback as it is practical and offers more value for your money.
The Datsun Go and GO+ perfectly tick all the right boxes for the buyers in this segment. Driving convenience and comfort level are enhanced. They look upmarket and feel premium inside and have plenty of space for a small family.
The smooth CVT only adds to the convenience while driving in city that makes it a good package. But the big factor will be the pricing, which Datsun will be announcing soon.
