Datsun GO Plus : Detailed Review

Datsun’s revival last year was something most of us were looking forward to, and to be honest, the legendary Japanese automaker hasn’t really disappointed. The Go hatchback is a genuinely fun little car to drive and is a genuine competitor to the likes of the market leading Maruti Suzuki Alto and the nippy Hyundai Eon.

Sadly, the Go doesn’t seem to be doing as well as we expected probably because it entered a segment that was already saturated. Now though, with the all-new seven seater Go+, Datsun has made an all new segment of its own, the compact MPV.

Exterior Styling: rating_3.5_rating

The Datsun Go+ is essentially a larger version of the standard Go. And just as with the latter, the Go+’s styling will not really sweep you off your feet. The large hexagonal grille and chunky headlamps go add a sense of sophistication to the car. Just like with the Go, the Go+ looks more expensive than it actually is with its distinctively muscular bonnet lines. The side profile too isn’t disproportionate and a well defined waist line reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.  

The rear could have certainly done with a bit more excitement though. A chrome moulding instead of a body coloured one could have easily been incorporated to break up the monotonous tail gate. The extended greenhouse and body structure on the Go+ looks well integrated and reminds us of cars like the first generation Ford Focus Wagon. The small 13-inch wheels though take away most of the hard work that the designers put into the Go+. Not only does the Datsun Go+ look undertyred, the lack of alloy wheels even on the fully loaded version is slightly disappointing.

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Interior & space: rating_3.5_rating

The Datsun Go+ features the same interior as you get on the Go. Practicality and no frills is the direction the Japanese automaker has taken for the Go+ with a very basic but well styled grey and black dashboard. The front and middle row of seats are quite comfortable and it is remarkable how much head room and shoulder room the Go+ has to offer. That said, the seats could have done with a little more padding on the back rest and on the head rests.

The main attraction for most will be the extra two seats that the car offers. Although the Go+ does have seven seats that adhere to the ARAI specification of what can be defined as a seat in India, the third row is inconvenient to get into and there is no way two fully grown adults could sit there comfortably unless of course they choose to sit sideways. These seats are best suited for children under the age of 10 or your family dog. Or of course, you could fold them flat and enjoy the above average storage space that the Go+ offers.

Features & Equipment: rating_2.5_rating

An aspect that the Go+ really struggles to keep up with everything else in its segment are features. For starters, the glove compartment doesn’t get a lid and the second and third row passengers do not even get an inertia reel seatbelt. What is more annoying though is the fact that the ORVMs cannot be adjusted from the cabin, a feature that should not have been skipped.

There is a simple instrument cluster that houses just one large speedometer dial and an LCD screen that houses a digital tachometer, fuel gauge and trip computer. The Go+ also comes with a basic entertainment package that offers the driver an auxiliary cable and a USB charging slot. That said, the Go+ does not feel cheap when it comes to things like the quality of the switchgear and plastics. In fact, even little things like the headlight and wiper stalks or the AC knobs feel solid and premium.

Ride and ease of driving

The Datsun Go+ is a perfect car for the first time buyer. Not only does it offer great all-round visibility, the Go+ also offers relative ease of driving due to its light steering and relatively upright seating position. That said, as we mentioned earlier, the seats could have done with slightly more padding to offer more long term comfort.

The most impressive aspect of the Go+ though has to be the way it rides over rough surfaces. Not only does the go plus feel comfortable on bad roads, the way it absorbs bumps is noteworthy too. That said the front end does tend to bottom out on larger potholes.

Another aspect of the Go+ that we were disappointed with is the sheer percentage of sound that filters into the cabin. Be it tyre noise, the patter of rain drops on the roof or small stones and pebbles hitting the floor pan, the Go+ isn’t a very quiet car to be in.

rating_3.5_rating

Engines & performance: rating_3.0_rating

The 1.2-litre, three cylinder, petrol engine makes a decent 68PS of peak power and 104Nm of peak torque. First time users will find the engine easy to use too with its smooth power delivery and peppy initial acceleration. Datsun has remapped the engine to provide a more linear torque curve as the Go+ will be expected to carry more weight than its smaller cousin.

Although the Go+ is essentially a compact MPV and isn’t supposed to be driven hard, we were particularly impressed by how nice the engine and the exhaust note sounds when pushed hard.

The easy to use characteristics continue with the way the clutch is set up. The light and progressive setup will help many first time drivers come to grips with it whereas the easy to reach gear shifter position is also helpful. That said, the gear shifts do feel slightly notchy.

Handling & braking: rating_2.5_rating

The Datsun Go+ is not really meant to go through twisty roads like a hot hatchback but then it is no slouch either. Although the steering feels precise and well weighed, the Go+ does showcase a lot of understeer especially when pushed anywhere close to the limit. The 155 section tyres mounted on 13-inch wheels also accentuate mid-corner roll and pitch. What does manage to impress us though is the ridiculously short turning radius that the Go+ offers. The Datsun Go+’s brakes are also well set up to offer adequate bite when applied in both city usage and under emergency stop situations. That said, having an optional ABS module for the T variant is something Datsun should seriously consider.

Price and Fuel efficiency: rating_3.5_rating

Althoguh Datsun has not really announced the official fuel efficiency figures, going by what the Go averages, the Go+ should be a pretty easy on the pockets too. We expect the Go+ to start at about Rs 3.6 lakhs for the D variant and cost about Rs 4.3 lakhs for the top of the line T variant. Not only will this make for a great value for money car, it could also open up the fleet and taxi market for Datsun which could result in excellent sales.

Verdict: rating_3.0_rating

The Datsun Go+ is the ideal car for first time buyer who is upgrading from a two wheeler. It is easy to drive, has great visibility and good fuel efficiency. But is it a real seven seater? Not at all. A five plus two? Maybe. What it is though is a large five-seater hatchback with a great amount of luggage space. And the price at which it will come should make prospective Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Hyundai i10 buyers something to think about.