Coming around
A much needed refresh changes a lot about the Go and Go+ but has Datsun done enough to make a solid comeback?
Let’s face it. Datsun hasn’t had the best debut in India with its initial offerings. The Go and Go + were built to a cost and couldn’t find much traction with the Indian audience. Cab services came in to save the day for the manufacturer as bulk orders made the car visible on the road although, more cars on private plates would have been preferred by Datsun. Thus a timely refresh of the Go duo should set things rolling in the right direction.
The changes to the exterior of the car have been kept to a minimum yet, just the right ones make the Go twins appear fresher. Redesigned lower bumper sees sharper lines and contours to accommodate DRLs and house the redesigned honeycomb grille. A look at the sides will reveal a new set of “diamond-cut” 14-inch alloy wheels while the rear remains unchanged albeit design tweaks to the bumper to match the front end. Overall, these minimal changes are cohesive and have resulted in a sportier appearance, a departure from the rather dreary looking previous model.
Step inside and the Go (and Go+) seem like entirely different cars from what we can remember. The quirky, unappealing interiors are gone, having been replaced with sharper design elements rather than rounded ones from earlier. Black interiors gel better with the redesigned sharper styling while even the material fit, finish and feel has vastly improved. In fact, the only grouse we have is the placement of the USB and AUX ports which were difficult to spot and reach. Datsun has made use of carbon-fibre looking plastic inserts around the cabin, a sporty touch that matches the styling of the new interior. Power windows (all-four) now features along with door locking/unlocking buttons and electronically adjustable ORVMs, the controls for which are conveniently located on the driver
side door pad. Our attention was then caught by the new 7-inch infotainment centre that offers all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect of modern touchscreen systems. The new interior definitely looks modern and appealing compared to the previous model.
Not much has changed in the way the Go twins drive. The 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine is still modest with its power output figures but making the first two gear ratios short and leaving the next three longer helps liven up the drive experience. It is also steady till the initial three-digit speeds and well-rounded suspension setup means that the ride quality ensures occupants remain comfortable in city drives or on highway jaunts. The suspension soaks up bad roads with aplomb and offers controlled body movements at higher speeds. The Go+ doesn’t feel any different but the extra overhang at the back makes the added weight evident in tighter corners.
Datsun claim a total 100 plus upgrades on the new cars. We haven’t kept a count, but the changes are evident as soon as one steps into the cabin. The Go and the Go+ have grown up to become more refined, feel more premium and contemporary than before.