The Datsun Go is the first car released by the Japanese car maker Nissan Motor Company under the Datsun brand since it was discontinued in 1986. The Go will be available initially in the developing markets of India, South Africa, Indonesia and Russia. The Datsun Go is based on the same Nissan V platform as the Micra.
Datsun Go is the new entrant in the Indian small car segment. Experts opine that Indian consumers are increasingly becoming discerning in terms of their preference for style, fuel economy, after sales service and space. In this context, the Datsun Go has much to offer to the Indian market. Datsun Go price at INR 3.12 lakh onwards.
Measuring 3,785 mm in length, 1,485 mm in height and 1,635 mm in width, the Go looks quite compact. The car is bigger than the Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai i10. The interior décor of the Go is quite minimalistic. The gear lever is mounted on the central console. The Go uses a 1.2 litre (also used in the Nissan Micra Active), three cylinder motor that produces a maximum power of 68 bhp and 104 Nm of peak torque. The car can reach the 0-100 kmph mark in 13 seconds flat. The transmission is 5 speed and the type is manual. The stability of the car is also quite admirable. Even at a high speed, the Go displays remarkable road gripping.
An innovative feature in the Go is the speed sensitive wiper which is quite unique in the segment. The car also offers power steering and central locking. Other basic features include ventilated front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, 13 inch wheels and driver side ORVM. Apart from the aforementioned features, the Datsun Go also has some advanced characteristics such as the digital tachometer, average and instantaneous fuel consumption gauge, follow me home headlamp, remote trunk and fuel lid opener, foldable rear seat and electronic multi trip meter and digital odometer.
A turning radius of just 4.6 metres makes it ideal for city use. Furthermore, the ground clearance of the vehicle is 170 mm which ensures that the car does not scrape its underbelly even on uneven terrains. The Datsun Go comes with a 2 year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The car also has an impressive fuel economy of 20.63 kmpl.
As far as space is concerned, the Datsun Go has lots to offer. At the back, three people can sit comfortably. The company promises the feel of a cosy sedan to the rear passengers with best in class knee room and well cushioned seats. The boot of the car offers 265 litres of space which is quite optimum for a standard amount of luggage.
However, the flipsides of the car are numerous. After sales service network of the Datsun Go is not at all satisfactory. Moreover, brand awareness of the Datsun Go can be an issue. The Company needs to promote the car aggressively in order to get a slice of the Indian small car market which is growing at an ever increasing pace.
The other hot selling car in the Indian market is Toyota Etios Cross at price 5.7 lakh onwards.