DATSUN GO, GO+ (CVT) An automatic with panache

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1198cc, 3 cylinder HR12 DE engine, Naturally Aspirated 12V DOHC EFI

Peak Power: 76hp@6000rpm

Peak Torque: 104Nm@4400rpm

Fuel efficiency: GO- 20.07kmpl (CVT) / GO+ 19.41kmpl (CVT)

CVTs are currently offered in a segment above the entry level for cars like the Nissan Micra, the Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20.

Thus, as a first in the segment, both the GO and the GO+ will come with a CVT. Currently both the models are offered with a 5 speed Manual transmission only. For those who are not aware, Datsun is an automobile brand owned by Nissan of Japan. Renault of France, Nissan of Japan and Mitsubishi of Japan have cross holdings in each others’ companies and operate as one global entity i.e. Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.

In India it operates as a Renault and Nissan joint venture company called Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd. While Renault and Nissan operate as two different entities worldwide and in India in terms of product offerings, they share among themselves several platforms.

Coming to Datsun, this brand offers at the entry level the Redi-GO which comes in both 800cc and 1 litre variants. The 1 litre Redi-GO has an option of an AMT. The CVT is thus being offered in the GO and the GO+.  Let me get straight to the point of its performance. I am impressed by it. While AMTs have a few things not going in its favour like lags while shifting gears, noisy engines, jerks while shifting gears and a park mode missing,  this CVT includes a Sports Mode, negligible lag while accelerating, low engine noise and definitely a smooth shift in gears.

I first drove the car without the sport mode and it did accelerate furiously. The engine noise was definitely there but it was very tolerable. It upped the 100kmph mark rather easily. But the Sport Mode got me all excited. The little engine whine that was there, almost vanished, and the gear shifts were quick and the feel was almost like cutting through butter.  The Sport Mode can only be deployed in the Drive Mode. Once you shift the lever to this mode, you can press a tiny button on the shift lever and get the car moving.

The car handled well, though I felt the electric operated power steering was a bit hard at slow speeds. But I definitely felt the 1198cc petrol engine behaved a lot better with this new automatic transmission. While the same engine was producing around 67hp peak power at around 5000 rpm with the manual transmission, with the CVT the engine power had increased to 76hp at around 6000rpm. That’s a neat jump I felt.

The peak torque that the engine earlier achieved at 104Nm at around 4000 rpm is now achieved at 4400rpm with the CVT.

The figures are identical for both the GO and the GO+. For the GO model, the fuel efficiency has increased to 20.07kmpl with the CVT from the earlier 19.72 kmpl with the MT.

For the GO+, the fuel efficiency has decreased to 19.41kmpl with the CVT from the 19.72kmpl with the MT.

Though the company has not tinkered with the exteriors and interiors majorly, what it has done apart from the introduction of the CVT is that there has been a crash performance enhancement. Thus, there has been a front and pedestrian protection reinforcement, side crash performance and reinforcement and roof reinforcement.

And in order to improve NVH levels, the company has incorporated a high performance isolation package in the cars for low wind noise within the cabin. There is also improved isolation and less body holes that prevent noise from entering the cabin. It was quite evident when I was driving. The cabin is well insulated and outside noise is blocked to a great extent.

The two models also get speed sensing auto door lock as a new feature.

All other features primarily remain the same.

Dimensions of Datsun GO (CVT):

Length 3788mm, width 1636mm, height 1507mm, wheelbase 2450mm

Ground clearance 180mm Luggage space 265 litre Kerb weight: 913 kgs

Dimensions of Datsun GO + (CVT):

Length 3995mm, width 1636mm, height 1507mm, wheelbase 2450mm

Ground clearance 180mm Luggage space 347 litres (3^rd row folded)  Kerb weight: 950 kgs

EXTERIOR

Chrome Front Hexagon Grille

Hawk Eye headlamp, Follow me home headlamps

LED DRLs

Body coloured bumpers, ORVM, door handles

Roof Antenna

Suspension:

Front- McPherson Strut with lower transverse link

Rear- Twist beam suspension with coil spring

Front & Rear shock absorbers- Twin tube telescopic

Brakes:

Front-Disc

Rear-Drum

Tyre: 165/70 R14

Diamond Cut Alloys wheels

INTERIORS:

DATSUN GO

Sporty urbane theme accentuated interiors

Front Door with map pockets and bottle holder

Full Floor console- Front 2 cup holder, rear I litre bottle holder

DATSUN GO+

Premium dual tone accentuated interiors

Front Door with map pockets and bottle holder

Full Floor console- Front 2 cup holder, rear I litre bottle holder

Both models get:

7 inches capacitive touchscreen,  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, voice recognition, HD video playback, Bluetooth connectivity, radio front speakers, USB & Aux-in connectivity.

Power outlet in front

Power windows with auto down for driver only

Airbags for front to passengers