Datsun Go Plus Review & Pictures: Extended Car-Go


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350Z

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“Extended Car-Go”

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Datsun Go Plus Review Synopsis:
  • Datsun Go+ price tag is between Rs.3.79 – Rs.4.61 Lacs (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially launched in India on Jan 15, 2015.
  • The car is currently available in four variants, namely, D, D1, A and T in Petrol version only (Diesel expected at a later stage).
  • Under the hood is a 1.2L motor borrowed from Go, that produces 68 PS and 104 Nm Torque. ARAI claimed mileage: 20.6 Kmpl.
  • Go+ is positioned as a lifestyle compact family station wagon. It can comfortably accommodate four adults and two children.
  • USP of Go+ include space and practicality at a down to earth price tag while biggest downside is marked by evident cost-cutting and uncomfortable 3rd row.
Does Datsun Go+ have what it takes to be your next car? Read on to find out.
 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Overview and Design


Just about a year ago, Nissan-owned Datsun brand made its world-premiere with the launch of entry-level Go hatchback in India. Though so far its market response has been nothing to write home about, but on the flip side, this car served as a major stepping stone to make an unknown name, known, in unfamiliar territory. If current situation is anything to go by, Datsun will be faced with a challenge to achieve previously claimed target of 10% market share by 2016. However, there's still no stopping for this brand from going ahead with its predetermined new car launch spree. Go+ is one of them. This car comes as a fresh breather in the "sub-four meter" fashion even though it's based on exactly the same old platform. Go+, in other words, is a Go in station wagon outfit with third row bench somehow squeezed in. For a price tag that sounds down to earth for a new car that could apparently seat seven (more the merrier in our country), one can't help but take a second look.

As you would expect, Go+ borrows almost all critical components of Go from bumper to bumper (powertrain included), which makes it tough to distinguish one from the hatchback counterpart whether viewing head on from front or the rear. This also translates into a fact that the dimensions of Go+ are rather slim before someone ends up confusing its size with that of a full-grown MUV like Toyota Innova. Don't mistake this car for a proper MPV. It isn't. And Datsun rightly prefers calling it as India’s first compact family station wagon. Except additional 210 mm length of sheet metal and trivial 5 mm increase in height, rest of the exterior dimensions of Go+ are ditto to that of the Go. Unfortunately the awfully undersized tyres (155/70 R13) made by ‘Strada’ brand have been carried over too. Therefore, it’s not the size, but rather the design that'd earn brownie points for Go+.

The stretched side-view does not appear at all like an alteration, thanks to slanting roofline and a bold shoulder line which have enormously helped to balance overall proportions. Additionally, the design doesn't necessarily screams for attention contrary to some Japanese cars; instead, it quietly makes presence felt with an elegant yet intimidating attitude. Come closer to feel the car and that's when you begin to sense why it's priced so inexpensively. From shoddy door handle plastic to super-light hatch door; it’s needless to admit that cost cutting is glaringly evident throughout. There's also only a single wiper blade with dual arms which nevertheless effectively cleans the windscreen by covering a large area of it. Go+’s rear design looks just equally cunning as the front. Biggest and the only difference that’s evident here opposed to its hatchback form is the boot-door mounted registration plate and thinner bumper to keep the sub-four meter length in check.

 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Interiors, Features and Comfort


The interiors, for most part, are a replica of Datsun Go's. Plastic quality material used for manufacturing Greige colored dashboard can be termed as of acceptable standards for this segment. It’s grain-patterned for an apparently “leather-like” feel. Dashboard layout is more or less bare bones basic with some bits familiar from the Nissan Micra too (such as air-conditioner vents). The interiors feel spacious but cost-cutting is taken to a new height altogether on this part. Be it the highly flimsy A/C control knobs or the lid-less glovebox. There’s not a single concealed storage space in either of the Datsun twins for that matter. The well-contoured steering wheel is nimble to hold and comes with a feather-touch horn pad. Headlamp and wiper operation stalks are among those few bits that speak quality. Single dial instrument cluster consists of a speedometer with tiny upshift markings to assist new drivers. On the MID, there’s a digital tachometer too which could be hard to read while driving due to its size. Entire dashboard is orange backlit except speedometer which illuminates in eye-pleasing combination of blue and white.

Center console, on the other hand, is made up from a different (well-polished) plastic. Datsun also offers an option of piano-black finish as an aftermarket add-on to provide a richer look to the interiors. There’s no separate audio system in Go+ as standard equipment; instead, the company wants your Smartphone to function as one. This technique is both, clever and cost-effective. In place of a head unit, the area features an on / off button for the speakers, volume knob and aux-in / USB (charge only) ports. Mobile holder, on left, is a bit squeaky and dislocated a few times whenever we drove over rough patches. Since almost all modern Smartphones are atleast XL sized, it would end up covering one of the center air-con vents. Note that front two speakers are equipped only on top-end ‘T’ variant. Default speakers sound nicely at higher volumes, although it’s a different story that the driver’s side speaker of our test car malfunctioned all of sudden during the test drive.



While your mobile phone is functioning as audio system or GPS, co-passenger can charge their device using a separate 12V socket which is located on the dashboard mounted gearshift console. On a different note though, there’s no provision of ashtray. Only top variant features front power windows for which just one button is situated on each side. i.e. You'd have to stretch out all the way to left should you decide to roll up or unroll passenger side window. Likewise, outside rear view mirrors are externally adjustable across all versions, which causes quite inconvenience to set them up everytime. ORVMs also leave a slight blind spot, because of which I had to bend forward to cross-check before turning on a couple of occasions. Front seat is joined to look like one unit, in style of ol’ Padminis and Ambassadors but in actual, it isn't. It can be adjusted separately for both the front occupants, as per their own personal preferences, like in any other car.

All in all, front bench is fairly comfortable for two large adults and offers a decent under thigh as well as back support. Hop onto the rear seat and you’d still feel roomy enough unless the passenger sitting in front isn’t a six footer. There’s adequate legroom. Thanks to long travel range of front seats, it becomes Sunny-like if the front seat is fully pushed forward (Useful when you’re chauffeur driven alone). Underthigh support wouldn’t be an issue either for long trips considering average height of most of the Indian population. That said, middle row can comfortably accommodate two healthy adults along with a young child at best. The biggest complaint of the passengers of this seat would be the lack of storage space, since rear doors and front seatback don't have any pockets at all.

Process of getting into the third row of Datsun Go+ is in itself a form of aerobics. This statement alone hopefully clarifies that third row is certainly not intended for adults. In the brochure too, Datsun depicts only the kids sitting in this area. To get in, you need to unlock and fold the backrest of mid row first, as it’s conventionally done in any hatchback and then flip forward the entire seat from base. It allows opening up a small ingress / egress spot through which any normal adult can most definitely not get in or out conveniently. Even if someone somehow manages, they're bound to suffer from a strong feeling of claustrophobia since third row windows are small and legroom + headroom are next to none. So is the boot space with 3rd row up (Merely 48 liters. But 347 liters when folded). Thus, one shouldn't expect too much with third row up, apart from quick weekend getaways with your in-laws and kids (now who you'd want to make sit in the last row is upto you :biggrin:).

 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Performance, Braking, Ride and Handling


Powertrain of the Go+ is taken from Go hatchback and it remains unchanged (which in turn is borrowed from Nissan’s Micra). This 1198 CC, 3 cylinders, 12 valve DOHC petrol motor delivers a peak power of 68 PS @ 5000 RPM and torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 RPM. Power is transmitted through the cable type; hydraulic clutch operated 5 speed manual transmission. There’s no Diesel version on the platter yet. It’d have made more sense and an economical buy but at the same time caught attention of commercial operators too, which Datsun India is strictly against at least at this point of time (refer to miscellaneous points in review below for details). The driver’s seat is well-positioned and offers a very clear outside view. However, taller drivers might have a hard time placing their left leg comfortably, thanks to unconventional hand brake lever. Those who've been in a Chevrolet Tavera must be familiar with it. Pull to engage and twist to release the parking brakes.

Upon switching on the ignition, Go+ behaves exactly like the Go as far as noise, vibration and harshness levels are concerned. You can literally observe vibrating interior bits including gearlever, mobile phone holder etc. but situation begins improving once the car moves forward. Much to my surprise, the car felt almost as lively as the Go does when I accelerated first, despite additional weight of some 20 kgs. That’s when the power-to-weight ratio advantage comes to rescue and at the same time helps keeping the mileage figures in check. Yup. Datsun Go+ fuel efficiency claimed by ARAI is same as its hatchback counterpart. i.e. 20.6 Kmpl (with a negligible difference of hardly point one kmpl on papers). In real-time, it returned about 14 Kmpl with mixed driving style. The car pulls in a respectable manner over inclines but always demands downshift to stay in the peak power range. Same goes while planning for overtaking maneuvers too, against long hauling trucks.



But that ain't the miserable part. It’s when you actually engage the gearshift itself. Gear throws are short but the lever is extremely crude and notchy. Gladly, atleast the clutch pedal is light. In the first few kilometers of drive, I found my feet occasionally getting stuck in the space between accelerator and brake pedal for some reason. Although I’d overlook it as a one-off incident since it wasn’t an issue once I eventually got used to pedal spacing. Brakes are quite confidence inspiring under sudden braking but they naturally end up locking when halting from a fast speed due to the absence of ABS. Steering wheel is nimble and ideal for city driving. It doesn’t let down on highways either but sharp cornering is best avoided. Body roll is clearly evident, blame the lack of anti-roll bars. Datsun has also re-tuned the suspension to enable this car to bear additional weight. However, ride quality is still very pliant and comfortable at regular speeds.

Now the question arises: is Datsun Go+ the car for you? While the exact answer depends on your personal requirements but the company has surely hit a sweet spot this time. With the price Go+ is being retailed, it turns out as a very practical family car for those who’re short on budget but need more space to comfortably accommodate four adults + two kids. It’s one such car that performs like any normal hatchback on weekdays but doubles up as a no-nonsense MPV on weekends. Datsun Go+ has opened a new chapter in the hot-and-happening Indian car industry. Is this a sign of the re-birth of once-defunct estate era in India? Time will tell.


 
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Datsun Go+: Likes, Dislikes and Star Ratings

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You'll Love: [thumbsup]
  • Smart and clean design, that carries a bold look.
  • Space and incredible flexibility due to extended length.
  • Good fuel economy figures on papers (and in real-time too).
  • Sheer practicality. Hatchback on weekdays and MPV on weekends.
  • Lively performance (but it's not necessarily an enthusiast's delight).
You'll Loathe: [thumbsdown]
  • Severe cost cutting and compromise on safety.
  • Pathetic gearshift. Notchy and slots on its own will.
  • High levels of noise and vibration especially when idle.
  • Extremely undersized tyres demand an immediate upgrade.
  • Nissan-Datsun doesn’t have a widespread network in India so far.
Datsun Go+ Star Ratings:
  • Design and Quality................:
    eightstar.gif
  • Comfort and Features............:
    7.5.gif
  • Engine and Performance.........:
    8.5.gif
  • Handling and Ride Quality.......:
    eightstar.gif
  • Safety and Security Levels.....:
    fivestar.gif
  • Overall Fuel Consumption.......:
    eightstar.gif
  • Sales and Service Network.....:
    sixstar.gif
  • Value For Money Factor..........:
    8.5.gif
  • The Automotive India's Verdict:
    eightstar.gif
Here's how to interpret above ratings: The Automotive India Reviews Star Ratings Explained.
 
Thread Starter #6

350Z

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Datsun Go+: Price and Miscellaneous Points

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Datsun Go+ Price:

Ex.showroom, Delhi:
  • D: Rs.3.79 Lacs
  • D1: Rs.3.82 Lacs
  • A: Rs.4.15 Lacs
  • T: Rs.4.61 Lacs
Ex.showroom, Mumbai:
  • D: Rs.3.96 Lacs
  • D1: Rs.3.98 Lacs
  • A: Rs.4.33 Lacs
  • T: Rs.4.81 Lacs

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Prices in Lakhs INR. Ex.showroom, New Delhi. Note: Venture is Diesel.​

Miscellaneous Points:
  • Go+ is also manufactured and sold in Indonesia as Go+ Panca (Panca means five in Indonesian language).
  • The base variant (T) is priced at INR 4,88,814 while top end (T Active) sells for INR 5,08,060 (after conversion) in Indonesia.
  • Datsun will offer the top variants of Go and Go+ with airbags by the second half of 2015 after the Zero Global NCAP rating fiasco.
  • Datsun claims that Go and Go+ headlamps provide 2m wider and 10m longer visibility than Alto K10 in city and highways respectively.
  • Nissan is strictly against positioning the Go & Go+ in commercial segment. As a matter of fact, it recently refused a large order for same.
  • Datsun, as of Jan 2015, has total four products globally including Go, Go+, Mi-Do and On-Do. Next on cards is Redi-Go (Indian-market bound).
  • The term ‘remote’ is confused in Go+ brochure as a marketing gimmick. It says ‘remote tailgate opener’ (which is normally considered as remote key).
Service & Warranty:
  • Datsun recommended run-in period for Go+ is 1600 Kms.
  • Service interval is 5,000 kilometers / 6 months. However, only first service is free of cost (on labour).
  • Go+ is available with 2 years and unlimited kilometers of standard warranty. Plus, optional extended warranty and free 24x7 roadside assistance.
Related Links:
 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Specifications and Comparison

Specifications Comparison: Datsun Go+ vs Maruti Eeco vs Tata Venture vs Premier Rio

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Datsun Go+ Specifications:
  • Engine: 1198 CC (Petrol)
  • Power: 68 PS @ 5000 RPM
  • Torque: 104 Nm @ 4000 RPM
  • Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
  • Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Claimed): 20.6 Kmpl
  • Front Brakes: Discs
  • Rear Brakes: Drums
  • Front Suspension: McPherson Strut
  • Rear Suspension: H-Type Torsion Beam
  • Fuel Tank: 35 Liters
  • Boot Space: 48 Liters (3rd Row Up) | 347 Liters (3rd Row Folded)
  • Length: 3995 mm
  • Width: 1635 mm
  • Height: 1490 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2450 mm
  • Turning Radius: 4.6 M
  • Tyre Size: 155/70 R13
  • Ground Clearance: 170 mm
  • Kerb Weight: 790 Kgs
Exterior Color Options:
  • Ruby*
  • Gold*
  • White
  • Silver
  • Grey
Asterisk (*) denotes our preferred choice of colors on Datsun Go+.
 

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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Videos

Datsun Go+: Television Commercial

Datsun Go+: In Action

Datsun Go+: Engine NVH
 
Thread Starter #9

350Z

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

Size Comparison: Datsun Go+ vs Toyota Innova. Go+ looks like a Mini-Innova in this snap.







Go+ gets a new Golden shade in place of Go's Sky Blue.





Datsun Go+ Scenic Shots










 
Thread Starter #10

350Z

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

D-Cut grille signifies two hands holding the Datsun logo which stands for Dream, Access, Trust.



Pull the headlamp flasher before getting out in dark to enable follow-me-home feature.

One Pull: 30 seconds. Two Pulls: 60 seconds. Three Pulls: 90 seconds. Four Pulls: Two minutes.




Foglamps are still not an option.



Tyres are awfully undersized.



Only a single, large wiper but it does the job pretty well.



Windscreen washer jet has three nozzles.



Tyre pressure placard suggests a whopping 44 Psi air pressure on rear tyres when traveling with 3+.



Rubber beadings on roof omitted as a cost-cutting measure.



Decent and unfussy side profile design.



Second row windows are large. Third row windows aren’t.


 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

Neatly crafted hood is as big as any mid-size sedan. Thick panel gaps are an eyesore though.



Door protectors are a part of the official aftermarket accessories for Go+.



So are the chrome door handles.



That's how regular door handles look. Notice the absence of keyhole on co-driver side.



ORVMs are externally adjustable across all variants. Definitely not the right place to cut the cost.



View provided by them is average. I’d have personally preferred slightly longer ORVMs.



Button-sized tyres leave a large space in the wheel arches.



And here’s why. Soft suspension pushes it all the way down (Picture taken when only one well-built passenger was sitting in the car at rear).



Number plate finds its place up on the hatch door in Go+. Perhaps because the rear bumper has gone on a diet (to keep sub-four meter length in check).



High mounted stop lamp wasn’t tightly fixed to the windscreen on our test car, because of which the beam spread all through the glass.



Only one reverse lamp.



The super-light hatch door with 'behind-the-scenes' mechanisms exposed.



Spare wheel is mounted under the body on Go+ due to the addition of third row. Toolkit is tucked under the driver's seat.


 
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350Z

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

Easy to find markings to affix the jack.



VIN series of Go+. This specific car was manufactured on 14th October 2014 at 5:49 PM.



No 'fuel-type' markings. Don't forget to inform the fuel pump attendant that it's Petrol, who might be otherwise unfamiliar with Datsun.



Hood is bulky. No sound insulation material but it does a great job of concealing the engine noise.



Exide battery is nicely placed on a large tray, just like Go.



Missing engine firewall insulation.



Location where you'll actually find the VIN engraved on all Datsuns. Nissan branding can be easily found here and there.



Exhaust pipe is loosely fitted and it loves to perform salsa (as also pointed out earlier on review of Go).



Central locking equipped (but no remote) on top variants.



Low Beam



High Beam


 
Thread Starter #13

350Z

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

Dashboard reflection on windscreen.



Small sunvisors are practically unusable.



A wide and clear view when looking back from driver's seat, makes reversing the Go+ an easy affair.



Just one cabin lamp (that too on extreme front).



Second row gets grab handle bars (without coat hooks); first and last row doesn't.



Provision of steering wheel rake adjustment lever for future and / or export markets.



Ticket / Coin Holder on driver's side.



Pedals are adequately spaced out.



This is the only place from where the boot is unlocked (And it shows a sedan!).



One of the few bits in Go+ that speak quality. BTW wiper automatically delays wipe interval based on car's speed.



Hood unlock lever reminds of the choke valve switch from ol' carburetted cars.



Old fashioned handbrake lever which was last seen on a Chevrolet Tavera.



Lidless Glovebox storage space.



A plastic panel dropped off from one of the test cars.



These aftermarket seat covers are available across all Nissan-Datsun dealerships.


 
Thread Starter #14

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Datsun Go+: Pictorial Review

Dashboard plastic quality is acceptable in general, except for the air-con control knobs.



Piano black interior finishing and a proper headunit are available as an accessory too.



Dashboard controls backlit in the shade of orange.



Speedometer dial looks beautiful and highly legible in this combination of blue + white.



From top to bottom: Average fuel economy, distance to empty, trip meter, instant fuel economy (works only when car is in motion)



Door handle borrowed from Nissan's Micra. No pockets on rear doors.



Transmission tunnel is slightly raised but wouldn't cause a major issue (unlike VW Polo).



Minimum 2nd Row Legroom: Front seat fully pushed backward.



Maximum 2nd Row Legroom: Front seat fully pushed forward.



Go+ is a fantastic car utility-wise. 2nd row seatback folds flat.



Flip it forward to get into the third row (strongly recommended for kids).



3rd row legroom is fixed.



However, the 3rd row seatback can also fold flat using this latch to allow an enormous luggage area.



3rd row windows are fixed (i.e. non-butterfly type). It's more or less the size of an aircraft's window.



A gentleman of height over six foot seated on the last row. You get the idea.



Just 48 liters of boot space with 3rd row up. Don't be surprised to see some Go+ with roof carriers.



Though folding the third row turns the boot space into a good 347 liters.



Acres of space with all the rear seats folded. Can't ask for more in a car costing 4 lakh rupees. Perfect for small scale business owners.



Aptly named as Go+, this car is likely to revive the once-defunct station wagon era in India.



© TheAutomotiveIndia.com. Republishing the text or pictures anyway without prior consent of our authorities is strictly forbidden.

Disclaimer: This road test was conducted in a media drive event organized by Nissan. All expenses for such events are borne by the manufacturer.

 
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Re: Datsun Go+ Launched at a Competitive Price Tag (Rs.3.79 Lacs)

I really feel there should seriously be a Code for defining what constitutes a 4-wheel passenger vehicle. It should at the least have 1) ABS & Dual front Airbags 2) Seat-belt pretensioners 3) Power steering 4) full size spare wheel 5) crumple zones (front and side) 6) Rear wipers in case of Hatchback/SUV.

Everyone here is panning Datsun- but they are a reflection of what has been handed out to Indian customers for many years now. If I compare this car with Omni/Eeco, then thats a fair comparision in terms of equipment and price. And more comfortable too. But neither car should be really plying the Indian roads and that goes for a host of other cars as well.
 

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