Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: The Cheapest Seven Seater CVT Available

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Datsun has just added an automatic variant to the GO Plus line up. The GO Plus was launched back in 2015, and the seven seater MPV was given a mid-cycle facelift in 2018.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The Datusn GO Plus featured a lot of cosmetic changes that included a larger hexagonal grille with chrome surrounds, and a new headlamp cluster with stylish black highlights that made the MPV more valuable.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The front bumper featured muscular lines along with sections to house the new LED (DRLs) daytime running lights. These changes brought a ‘present' look to the car, and Datsun said that they were planning to launch an automatic variant in the future.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The Datsun GO Plus now features a CVT automatic that carries a premium price. The automatic transmission is available with the top two T and T (O) variants. Here all all the details you need.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Design And Styling

The Datsun GO+ CVT features a longer and sharper headlamp, a grille that sports a chrome bezel around it, and a sporty bumper with recesses for the LED daytime running lights. The Datsun GO+ CVT also features 14-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on the top-spec variant that makes the MPV look premium.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The Datsun GO+ CVT features roof rails that gives it a more rugged look and creates an illusion of it being larger in size. The roof rails however, are purely cosmetic and do not support any form of weight.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The bumper has plastic inserts at both ends that make the Datsun GO+ CVT look very sporty. A chrome lip above the registration number plate adds a premium touch to the MPV.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Interiors

The dashboard is fairly ergonomic and feels premium as there are soft-touch plastics everywhere. The steering wheel features dual-tone colours that add to the overall look of the cockpit.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The all new GO CVT+ features faux carbon-fiber bits on the center console, door handles and above the glove box to help break-up the heavy use of hard plastics all around the interiors. The plastics, though not of the highest quality, offer a fairly decent fit and finish all around.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The MPV features a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system is available only with top-spec variants, and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The screen sits at the center, with silver accents surrounding the display.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

It also features a full-HD display and the interface is responsive. The tile layout on the infotainment system is easy to use and has functions such as settings, media, Bluetooth, and call functions listed on the home screen.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The infotainment system is supported by USB and AUX connections, hidden away under the gear lever. The system also feature a dark mode that turns off the main display and features only a digital clock. The Datsun GO CVT also features a 12V charging socket as an additional feature.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Practicality, Comfort & Boot Space

The driver and front passenger seats are fairly comfortable. The seats offer width but are flat and offer close to no thigh support. The front seats miss out on an adjustment levers for the seat height, and also feature a basic handle to adjust distance to the steering wheel.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The second row seats are suitable for three people for short-distance trips. The rear seats too offer close to no thigh support, and taller passengers have almost no leg room.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The third row seats offer close to zero legroom. Passengers seated here are left uncomfortable even during short rides. We think the third row is best left folded all the time as it opens up a lot of room for luggage.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The boot offers a luggage capacity of 347 litres with the third row seat folded. Capacity can be increased with the second row seats folded as well.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Engine Performance and Driving Impressions

The Datsun GO+ CVT features a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68bhp of power and 104Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

Performance is at par with most of its competitors, and the power delivery is sufficient city drives. The initial response from the engine is a little weak with most of the power kicking in after the 2,000rpm mark.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The Datsun GO+ is tall and has a long body which is not the perfect combination to get sporty handling characteristics, but the Datsun GO+ was not designed to be sporty. The MPV was intended to carry people and luggage around in reasonable comfort and that, it does very well.

The CVT gearbox is smooth and the lag while changing gears is rather negligible. The steering offers good feedback at lower speeds, and the GO CVT runs best in mid-range revs. The suspension is efficient and feels good over the fist two seating rows.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The GO+ CVT is best for within the city rather than highways. Handling is okay, but is on the firmer side. The relatively-larger wheels and the 180mm of ground clearance offer some relief on Indian roads.

The NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels are fairly good but one can hear the engine the moment the accelerator pedal is pushed down. Wind noise has been cut down but tyre noise does make its way into the cabin.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The Datsun GO+ is available in a range of seven variants: D, A, A(O), T, T VDC, T(O), and T (O) VDC. Prices start from Rs 3.89 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 5.94 lakh for the top-end variant. The vehicle is available in a choice of six colours: White, Sun Stone Brown, Ruby Red, Vivid Blue, Bronze Grey, and Crystal Silver.

Prices for the GO+ CVT are yet to be announced. However, we expect that the CVT variant will be priced at the Rs 6.75 lakh mark.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Safety & Key Features

Safety features on the Datsun GO+ CVT include dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, follow-me-home headlamps, reverse parking assist sensor, Electronically adjustable ORVMs, Power windows, Bluetooth connectivity, Voice recognition, best-in-class ground clearance, and anti-fatigue seats.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Warranty

Datsun India offers a free one-year warranty and also offers an extended warranty for a period of either two or three years. Extended warranty kicks in after standard warranty expires. Extended warranty is applicable for a period of two/ three years or unlimited kilometers, whichever comes first.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

The extended warranty from Datsun offers free roadside assistance during the period, free towing to the nearest Datsun dealership (excludes accidental towing), repair of the vehicle using genuine Datsun spare parts, no limit on the number of claims, and transferability with the ownership of the car.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Competition

The new Datsun GO+ CVT competes with the Renault Triber MPV.

Verdict!

The Datsun GO+ CVT is packed with features and equipment expected at the price range. The driving is good enough for city commuting and the occasional highway run. Datsun has really stepped up their game with the CVT transmission, however the third row seats are unwarranted.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Rahul Jaswal Thinks!

The Datsun GO+ CVT - All the benefits of the GO model but with increased boot space. The third row seats are basically useless and will have more value on a terrace during a BBQ. Again, leg room is limited for tall people.

Datsun Go Plus First Drive Review: Specs Features And Details

Having said that, Datsun have done a fantastic job of bringing the CVT automatic to the GO and the GO+ models. The addition of the automatic transmission should help increase sales numbers in what is still a lean period in the auto industry.

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Read more on: #review #datsun
Article Published On: Friday, October 4, 2019, 11:13 [IST]
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