Spied: Datsun Go+ MPV tests in India

Nissan’s newly resurrected Datsun car brand is gearing up to launch the Datsun Go+ MPV, their second offering in India. The seven-seater MPV was caught testing close to the city of Chennai, near Nissan-Renault’s Oragadam, where the Datsun Go hatchback is being produced currently.

The MPV was first displayed during the 2014 Auto Expo in India. As the name suggests, the Datsun Go+ would borrow heavily from its hatchback sibling Datsun Go in terms of styling and body parts. Both the Datsun Go and the soon to be launched Datsun Go+ are based on the previous generation Nissan Micra platform. The cars have a common 2,450mm wheelbase, but the Datsun Go+ MPV is longer by 210mm to accommodate the third row seats. But interestingly, the MPV is still under-4 metres, which qualifies for the excise benefit offered to sub-4 metre cars.

The Datsun Go+ displayed during the 2014 Auto Expo sported the same interiors seen on the Datsun Go hatchback. This might help the company cut production cost, but we hope the company takes customer feedback seriously and offers slightly more premium cabin in the production model of the MPV.

Like the Datsun Go hatchback, the Datsun Go+ MPV will also feature bench type first and second row seating. The third row of the Datsun Go+ is disappointingly cramped and it would be quite a squeeze to fit adults in it.

Datsun will be offering the MPV with two engine options, namely the 1.2-litre petrol engine capable of 68PS peak power and 104Nm of torque; and a frugal 1.5-litre diesel motor producing 66PS of power and 160Nm torque. Both the engines would be mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Though the India price of the car is not known yet, the company has recently revealed the price of the Datsun Go+ in Indonesia recently, which is equivalent to about Rs 5.5 lakh. If the company match the aggressive pricing in India when it launches before this Diwali, then Datsun may have more reasons than just the festivities to celebrate.

Spy pic: IAB