When Nissan announced the relaunch of Datsun brand to cater to the needs of the emerging markets, it did generate a lot of buzz. But, Datsun's stint in India has not quite gone to plan with the Go struggling to make an impact in a segment dominated by Maruti-Suzuki and Hyundai. Not the one to be bogged down by the Go's failure, Datsun is back with its second launch, the Go+.
As its name suggests, the Go+ is essentially the Go hatchback extended to accommodate a third row of seats. With a claimed seating space for seven occupants, would you be surprised if we disclose that the overall length of the Go+ is less than 4 meters? Yes, the Datsun Go+ is a compact Multi Purpose Vehicle and is a direct competitor to Maruti-Suzuki's Eeco and Omni vans.
Launched at a killer price tag of INR 3.80 Lakhs for the base D variant, the Go+ is superb value for money especially considering that it can seat seven when needed. The other variants - D1, A and T, are priced INR 3.82, 4.15 and 4.61 Lakhs respectively. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. At this price, the Go+ would end up rubbing shoulders with cars from several other segments.
The Datsun Go+ shares its design and styling with the Go hatchback. The front end is purposeful with the sweptback headlamps, hexagonal grille and ridged hood adding a lot of character. Up until the C-pillar, the Go+ cannot even be differentiated from its smaller sibling, after which the MPV bodystyle makes its presence felt. The additional length has been smartly integrated, with the Go+ even using the same taillights as the Go hatchback. A few places, like the gaping wheel wells, the bulbous rear fenders and the slab-sided profile, does make the Go+ look a bit ungainly.
The interiors of the Go+ are straight off the Go hatchback too. Though a practical place to be in, the cabin, finished in grey and beige, is strictly bare-bones with visible signs of cost cutting glaringly obvious. The three-spoke steering wheel, circular air-con vents and the door pads are some of the better-finished items inside. The dashboard-mounted gear lever and the unique seat extension from the Go find their place in the Go+ too. Based on our experience with the Go, space at the first two rows should be adequate. The third row appears to be a squeeze though and might just be for those rare occasions when practicality takes precedence over comfort.
The spartan equipment list includes only the basics with the top-end variant getting air-conditioning, power steering, front power windows, a mobile docking station, follow-me-home headlamps and central locking. There is nothing else, not even a music system offered as standard. A driver airbag is optional on the top-end variant though. Powering the Go+ is the same 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that does duty in the Go hatchback. With 68 horsepower and 104 Nm of torque, the specifications seem more suited to an entry level hatchback than a people-lugging MPV.
But the value-conscious Indian customer could overlook all these looking at the price tag. Will the Go+ change Datsun's fortunes in India or will it be another dud in Nissan India's lineup? We think it would be the latter, but we could be wrong.
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