The Datsun GO+ is the more viable alternative to a small car buyer who wants the occasional practicality of a 7-seater without having to compromise on fuel economy and other small car benefits.
Planning to make it big this time round with its budget brand, Nissan India has launched the 2015 Datsun GO+ MPV in the country priced from Rs. 3.80 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Datsun GO+ is essentially an elongated version of the GO hatchback and comes with the an extra row of seats at the back to provide the practicality of an MPV. In addition, Nissan has also been working to expand its base in the country by widening its sales and service network for the Datsun brand. They currently have 128 dealers which will be expanded to 160 outlets in the near future.
Design – The Datsun GO+ measures 3995 mm in length, 1635 mm in width and 1490 in height making the most out of the 4-metre limit. The GO+ shares its aesthetics with the GO and the front fascia gets no changes to differentiate it from the hatch, while the overall silhouette is more car like than an MPV. The major change is seen from the C-pillar onwards with the increased length visible in the side profile. The rear on the other hand has been comprehensively changed and includes a redesigned rear bumper and tail gate that incorporates the registration plate. The car gets the same 13-inch tyres as the GO with steel rims, while wheel covers are restricted to the top variants.
Interiors – The interiors on the GO+ are a direct lift from the GO hatchback. You get a beige and grey coloured cabin and a simplistic dashboard that comes with a 3-spoke steering wheel, circular air-con vents and an integrated gear lever for optimised cabin space. Much like the GO, the seats are upholstered in fabric with adequate amount of space in the first and second row to accommodate adults. The third row however, is extremely congested and is best reserved for small children or luggage.
In terms of equipment, the GO+ comes with front power windows, power steering, digital tachometer, distance to empty, follow-me home headlamps, Mobile Docking System and central locking. In terms of storage, the MPV comes with just 48-litres of standard boot capacity that can be expanded to 347-litres with the third row folded.
Engine – Powering the Datsun GO+ is the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that has been tuned to produce 68 HP of power at 5000 RPM and 104 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Suspension duties are performed by McPherson Struts at the front, while the Torsion beam does duty at the rear. Stopping power on the other hand comes from ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The GO+ can do the 0-100 km/hr sprint in under 14 seconds as per our tests.
Safety – Much like its hatch version, the GO+ does not come with any standard safety features as such and Nissan has avoided ABS and airbags on all versions, except the T variant where a driver side airbag is offered as an option.
Fuel Efficiency – Nissan claims an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 20.6 km/l on the Datsun GO+
The Datsun GO+ is targeted at small yet growing families that need the practicality, convenience and cost of ownership of a small car but with the occasional option of having additional seating capacity. The GO+ also benefits from an impressive boot capacity with the rear seats folded that adds to its practicality quotient. While the MPV may not have any direct competition as of now, Maruti is in the process of bringing a Wagon R based 7-seater in 2017. In the mean time, the GO+ will lock horns against the bigger Maruti Ertiga and Eeco as well as the Honda Mobilio, Chevrolet Enjoy and Nissan Evalia in terms of seating capacity.
Make sure to check out our review of the Datsun GO+ HERE.
2015 Datsun GO+ Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* GO+ D – Rs. 3.80 lakhs
* GO+ D1 – Rs. 3,82 lakhs
* GO+ A – Rs. 4.15 lakhs
* GO+ T – Rs. 4.61 lakhs
