Top 10 facts about the Datsun Go

1- Is the Go spacious?

It sure is. In fact, it has best in class interior space. The Datsun Go will compete against the Maruti Suzuki Alto in the Indian market. And for similar price as the Maruti, you get much better shoulder and elbow room at the front. Additionally, the Go also sports best in class knee and shoulder room at the rear. And, the boot space is better than many a more expensive hatchbacks.

2- Does it get any features?

The Go from Datsun might be cheap, but it still isn't exactly short on basic equipment. The most expensive Go (there will be three variants in all) - which will be priced under Rs 4 lakh as well - gets a stereo, a mobile docking station, power windows in the front and power steering and air conditioning. The competition offers familiar features, so it's not exactly a deciding factor.

3- Can the Go be accessorised?

Datsun realises that the Go will be bought by young Indians and to satisfy their appetite for personalisation, there are a few accessories that can be bought off the shelf from the showrooms. These include alloy wheels, decals on the outside, a scuff plate with Go badging for the driver-side door and mood lighting. You can also get a badge that glows! This is one aspect the competition hasn't considered so far.

4- What engines are on offer?

The Datsun Go comes only with one engine option. It is a three-cylinder, 1198cc petrol which should develop a little under 70PS of maximum power. It is the same engine that is available on the Nissan Micra but tuned to return slightly better fuel efficiency. There's also only one gearbox option - a 5-speed manual. And as of now, Datsun isn't offering an AMT or automated manual transmission as seen on the Maruti Suzuki Celerio.

5- What about a diesel engine?

Datsun only wants to talk price right now. It believes the USP for the Go will be its value for money proposition which stems from the fact that the car will cost under Rs 4 lakh and still offers basic equipment and lots of space. A diesel engine, given its higher cost, won't allow Datsun to play the value for money card as well. So, even though there's a diesel engine ready and waiting in the wings, Datsun isn't willing to take this route just yet.

6- How fuel-efficient is the Go?

Now we haven't tested the Go in the real world for fuel economy but going by what ARAI certifies, the Datsun Go can do 20.6kmpl. The competition quotes similar figures from a smaller capacity engine. But, even then, fuel economy isn't an area where the Datsun Go can stake claim to be the best. It's just par for the course.

7- Will the Datsun Go be reliable?

The Datsun Go might be an all new car but it shares a lot of its mechanicals and underpinnings from established products from the Nissan's stable. This includes the engine, the suspension and even the steering and brakes. So, in that sense, the Go has proven mechanicals. But, to give customers peace of mind, Datsun will offer the Go with two-year and unlimited kilometres warranty. This is way more than what Maruti Suzuki offers for the Alto - the Go's primary rival, and is, in fact, more in line with the Volkswagen Polo, which is way more expensive. So clearly, Nissan does seem confident about the hardy nature of the Datsun Go.

8- Will the Datsun Go be as cheap to run as the Maruti Suzuki Alto?

Given that both the Go and the Alto return similar fuel economy (at least as per ARAI) the expenses on fuel over the lifecycle of the two cars should be similar. Now, in terms of basic maintenance, it's a difficult one to call. There's no service holiday for Go customers; something that General Motors did for the Spark, and to great effect. And, honestly, we would have loved to see that because it would have given customers even more confidence in the new brand. But, Datsun claims, they know they are dealing with first time car buyers and have worked their servicing related costs, including spares, accordingly. And even though this cost might not be dramatically lesser than the competition, it won't be higher either.

9- When can I buy the Datsun Go and how much will it cost?

Datsun has already started producing the Go at Nissan's plant in Chennai. The car has already been dispatched to dealerships and the Go, therefore, should be ready for sale towards the mid of March. As we have mentioned earlier, the top of the line Go will cost under Rs 4 lakh, and we believe that should hold true for its on road price as well. So, the base model should begin at around Rs 3 lakh or Rs 2.99 lakh ex-showroom with every higher variant costing Rs 20,000 more.

10- Will I be able to upgrade to another Datsun after the Go?

No. Datsun is very clear it only wants to address the first time buyer for the time being. So the Go Plus MPV and the upcoming Mini SUV based on the Go will all be similarly priced (around Rs 4 lakh), with similar features and drivetrain options. There will be no diesel for these models either. This also works well for Nissan because both Datsun and Nissan cars will be sold from the same dealerships. And if someone has enjoyed owning a Datsun, it will certainly have a positive rub-off on Nissan cars. So, no, you can't upgrade to a Datsun after the Go, but you can upgrade to a Nissan; at least that's what Nissan hopes.