Datsun GO+ : A Worthy Compact MPV In Hatch's Budget!

After receiving a lot of denunciation over the lack of safety features in its GO hatchback, the Nissan's recently-revived Datsun sub-brand, is now set to launch the elongated version of its hatch, the GO+ sometime next month. The Go+ is country's first-of-its-kind sub-4 metre compact MPV, which is more-or-less a large five-seater hatchback with a flexible third row, best suited for children or your dog.

Being a sub-4 metre, GO+ is 3,995mm long, 1,635mm wide and 1,490mm high, and boasts a wheelbase of 2,450mm. With a good 170 mm ground clearance, the compact MPV would be able to negotiate well with the Indian roads. While its 4.6-metre turning radius, guarantees a hassle–free even in crowded areas. As for luggage space, there is only 40-litres available for storage with the third row up, however when folded it leads to 347-litres, which is quite decent for packing-in stuff. 

The suspension setup is same as of the GO hatch, comprising of McPherson Struts at front, and torsion beam at rear. The front wheels are retarded by ventilated discs, whereas drum brakes works at the rear. The system features ventilated discs at front and drum brakes at rear. The wheel arches have been fitted to 13-inch wheels shod with 155/70R13 tyres.

The Go+ comes with the same 3-pot, 1.2 litre petrol engine that churns out a maximum power of 67 bhp at 5,000 rpm, along with 104 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm, coupled to five-speed manual gearbox. This is the same mill that provides works under the hood of GO hatch as well, and claims an impressive ARAI mileage of 20.62 km/l in the GO+.

Like its hatchback sibling, only the top-end T trim offers power steering and other features such as central locking, full wheel covers, body colored bumpers, front power windows and HVAC system. In terms of safety equipment, the GO+ stands at the same podium with its its hatch version, thus strives for such features, concluding into no air bags and no anti-skid braking system (ABS) or Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), even as optional.

Speaking over this issue, Guillame Sicard, President, Nissan India said “The GO Plus would come as it is (without airbags and ABS) but it is just the same in Indonesia where it is already available, an safety is a very wide topic, while the debate (on airbags and ABS) is very narrow. Customers of the GO had concerns after the crash test reports were made public but it gives us an opportunity to talk about some of the other safety features of the car. It has the best stopping time and road holding characteristics than other cars in the segment.”

To be available in four variants, namely D, D1, A and range topping T trim, the GO+ is expected to be priced between INR 3.8 lakhs to INR 4.5 lakhs, making it a great value for money preposition. This would be an ideal choice for first time buyers or for the buyers, who wants to upgrade from their current hatchback to a bigger car in almost same pricing.