Review: Datsun Go+ , World's most affordable MPV Car

Introduction

Datsun, known in India for its budget cars in hatchback segment (called Go) has debuted its first car in MPV segment as well  & have christened the new MPV as Go+ to compete directly with likes of Honda, Ford & Maruti Suzuki.

Getting to know about Go+

The new MPV is basically Datsun Go that sports a extra space in the rear looks identical from the front. Almost all the facial features like the V in the bonnet to the wrap-around headlights with metal inserts, hexagonal grille, and the windscreen are identical to its cousin. MPV carries a all aluminium three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine with features like one ignition coil per cylinder, that produces 67bhp at 5000rpm.

Only difference from hatchback is that it has been fine-tuned to be more responsive. The wheelbase and 155/70 R13 tyres is identical to Go however suspension has been slightly stiffened to handle the greater weight efficiently. The hatch at the rear is a fresh design with a slimmer rear windscreen and roofline swoops down and the beltline arcs up to provide a nice effect, and the 'flick' on the shoulder makes the MPV quite stylish.

Also Read - The new MPV from Honda called Mobilio

Build & Quality

Interiors & Exteriors
Go+ has the identical  dashboard of it first product Go. To keep the cost lost, it has been kept simplistic with basic features like the air-con system comes with just a four-speed manual blower and no option to de-fog or re-circulate. Seating is important in any car - the front seats of Go+ is sleak. While the seats in the second row has been improvised upon and it feels like a bit more kingsize and comfortable. The important third row seats can be accessed by folding and flipping the second row seats forward but not suitable for adults or kids to fit in. It can be used for just luggage and gives a feel of mini estate car.

Drive 
While the new MPV comes with same motor churning out the exact HP as in the Go and with an additional 20 kilograms to pull, the torque helps the Go+ MPV take off with ease. The motor has been re-jigged and made more responsive and hence the Datsun responds when you put your foot down leading comfortable cruising around in a high gear in city traffic. The gearbox and light clutch are synced very well and you don’t even need to go to a lower gear most of the time.The steering is light ad brakes are pretty good. Sound insulation is still an area of development for MPV. When you rev the motor to 5000rpm, it starts to sound quite noisy. Go+ is good on the suspension, which has been upgraded to deal with the greater load at the rear, and ground clearance is pretty neat as well.

Overall Observation & Verdict

Datsun is pitching out this car as a seven-seater, which isn't the one however we can rate it a decent five-seater.

The car does not come with high end safety features like Air-bags or EBS but for price tag (which is only around Rs 30,000 more than the hatchback), this could very well turn out to be a practical and popular five-seater.

Estimated Price: Rs. 4.1 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)