Rising from the ashes, Nissan’s low cost brand, Datsun made a comeback aiming primarily at the emerging markets. Focusing on affordability, economy and prudence, Datsun came up with a practical car for the budget conscious customers, the ‘GO’ hatchback. Despite being a basic hatch, Datsun GO gives an impression of an opulent vehicle from the outside. It certainly has large dimensions as compared to rivals belonging to budget division.

Datsun Go Styling is decent, it works well for GO, although being a basic hatch it misses out on features like fog lamps etc. With the base variant priced at Rs 4.02 lakh and top-end trim available at Rs 6.51 lakh, the GO series comes bereft of various features to curb pricing. Interiors are carved to offer ample room and seating layout is quite interesting with 5+1 seating alignment, but the features aboard, styling, fit & finish are pretty disappointing. Yet another impressive feature of the hatchback is the large boot space measuring 265 litres. Like most of the budget hatchbacks, this one also gets petrol only engine set up coupled to a manual tranny. The hatch scores well on the performance front where most of the rivals lag behind. Pointed at the first time buyers, Datsun’s GO carries a price tag that fits well within the affordable limit.

Datsun Go Exteriors

While talking about exteriors of GO, dimensions do need a mention as the car isn’t a miniature. With an overall length of 3785 mm, width of 1635 mm and height of 1485 mm GO stands out among competition appearing evidently large. Front fascia gets a set of swept back halogen head lamps and a trapezoidal radiator grille finished with chrome. The bonnet is short and bumper snatches most of the limelight. Lower side of the bumper gets small air intakes. The character lines on the sides are not very prominent, chrome detailing in missing too around the door handles and window frame. Arches are carved neatly and there is an awkward void between wheels and arches. Rear profile is impressive, it gets small clear lens tail lamps, body coloured bumper and petite rear windscreen. 

Datsun Go Interiors

This A segment offering may not have premium interiors just like other contenders in this division but it certainly offers comfortable space. Interiors styling is too basic, especially the round shaped dash-mounted AC vents and dials appear dated. Gear lever is placed on the dashboard which is a little uncomfortable for the driver. Steering does not feature any mounted controls, but this is something that is not available on other hatches in the same segment. Connected seats in the front row provide space to seat two passengers (keeping the driver’s seat apart). However the seat offers space to accommodate an adult and a kid, or two kids for that matter. The fabric upholstery is a bit fundamental, even the quality of material, fit and finish indicate at the company’s cost cutting measures. There is decent amount of space for storage even on the dashboard like the useful shelf placed beneath the steering column, glovebox on passenger side but it lacks a lid which kills its functionality. Door pockets offer ample space but there is no cup or bottle holder in the centre. Moreover, the rear lacks bottle or cup holder or door bins. Rear seats are not snug, also the connected front seats hinder view from rear. Boot space is lavish at 265 litres, but it doesn’t come with a parcel tray. 

Datsun Go Engine Specifications & Transmission

Datsun GO is available only in petrol version, a 1.2 litre, three cylinder, 12 valve DOHC petrol engine is equipped under the engine hood. The in-line cylinder develops 68 PS of power at 5000 RPM along with 104 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. A five-speed manual transmission is paired to the petrol engine. 

Datsun Go Features

On the outside, the vehicle gets sash tape on rear door finisher and centre pillar, follow-me home head lamps and speed sensitive wipers with intermittent and drop wipe function. Inside, the hatchback features rear assist grips, full moulded door trims, closable AC vents with silver finish, three-spoke steering wheel, spinal support front connected seats, integrated head rests in front and rear, full door armrest etc. 

Datsun Go Performance & Mileage

The 1.2 litre, three cylinder engine sourced from Micra outputting 68 PS at 5000 RPM infers a healthy power to weight ratio for the car weighing 788kg. This reflects in the way GO performs, especially at high and mid revs. Claimed mileage for the petrol motor according to ARAI is 20.6 kms in a litre. 

Datsun Go Accessories & Infotainment

Datsun provides a high range of customization packs like trendy package, sporty package, women edition, family pack-1, family pack-2, essential package-1 and essential package-2. Trendy package comprises of reverse parking camera, antenna, parcel tray, audio with smart phone connectivity, rear speaker and mood light. Sporty package offers rear spoiler, fog lamp kit, door visor, alloy wheel, exhaust finisher, body side molding, body graphics, scuff plate with LED, art leather seat cover, steering wheel cover and gear knob leather. Women edition package includes reverse parking sensor, parcel tray, side curtain, security system, cushion kit, rear curtain, body graphics, mood lights and cushion kit. Family package is available in two options, the first one offers carpet mat, side curtain, PVC luggage, parcel tray, security system, cushion kit and art leather seat cover.

The second package which is a tad premium contains fog lamp kit, body side molding, door visor, carpet mat, steering wheel cover, art leather seat cover, PVC luggage mat, cushion kit, side curtain, security system and parcel tray. Essential pack is also available in two choices, the first one comes with body cover, splash guard, steering wheel cover, fabricseat cover, PVC black and luggage mat. And lastly, the second essential pack which gives an option of rear parcel tray, steering wheel cover, carpet mat, fabric seat cover and remote locking kit. There is a mobile docking station that features amplifier, universal mobile holder, AUX-In, USB port for charging and front speakers on both sides.

Datsun Go Braking & Handling

Braking duty is performed by ventilated disc brakes in front and drum brakes at rear. GO hatchback handles well, the steering wheel is responsive and suspension serves its part adeptly. Even the ground clearance and turning radius add to the efficiency. What goes against the hatch is the noise created by rear wheels and wind which seeps into the cabin. The under-sized wheels are also a letdown while on the go. 

Datsun Go Safety & Security

For a budget car that comes for an affordable price, safety is compromised to cut down on the cost. Datsun GO comes with a handful of features equipped for safety of occupants like an optional driver’s airbag available on the top-spec variant. Three-point seat belts are fitted in front and rear across model series. Manual central locking is available only on the range topping trim and other safety features like child lock, head lamp levelling device and engine immobilizer are present in the entire line-up. 

Datsun Go Comfort & Convenience

Comfort equipment incorporated in GO hatchback include a digital tachometer, drive computer showing instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel economy and distance to empty. There is a trip meter, low fuel warning, electronic fuel gauge, gear shift guide, follow-me-home head lamps, air conditioner with filter, heater, speed sensitive electric power steering, power windows in front and 12 V accessory socket. 

Datsun Go Wheels & Tyres

155/70 R13 tubeless tyres get full wheel cover on the top end variant and rest feature wheel caps. 

Datsun Go Competition

In the arena, GO faces stern competition from Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid and Maruti Alto 800. Given the size it has, the hatchback is also compared to Maruti’s Celerio and Maruti WagonR.

Pros:

Ample power
Roomy cabin and large boot
Affordable pricing
Adept performance

Cons:

Austere cabin styling
Under-sized tyres
Bad insulation
Frail after sales network.