The Japanese auto manufacturer, Nissan has unveiled its oldest brand Datsun in the Indian market with their latest addition Datsun GO. The history of Datsun dates back to year 1914, when it was first introduced as a light weight and economical car to meet the needs of young auto fanatics at that time. The company was phased out by Nissan in late 1986. But after seeing the rapid growth of hatchbacks in the South Asian market, Nissan decided in 2011 that they will have a 1.2 liter engine sister competitor to Micra and will be tagged as Datsun GO. Datsun is the third global auto brand for the Japanese Multinational company after Nissan and Infinity. Codenamed as K2, this low-cost hatchback will be launched at the Indian Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2014. Being one of the most stylish hatchbacks, Datsun GO is expected to launch in early 2014 with an ex-showroom price under 4 lakhs.
When it comes to exteriors, Datsun GO has the most aesthetic and stylish among the hatchbacks in its segment. While reducing the cost of this, the Japanese have not compromised on the exteriors. From the front, the hatchback gets a hexagonal honeycomb meshed front grille with chrome plated surrounding endorsing the Datsun logo at the center. The bold and aggressive headlamp cluster with integrated turn indicators, athletic ducted air dam on a stylish front bumper, sleek ridges on the bonnet and single wiper front windshield, all give an energetic look to this Datsun GO.
The side profile of Datsun GO has got aerodynamic ridges and curves that not many hatchbacks have. The body colored door handles, black matt finish external rear view mirrors, forward slanting body, 13 inch wheels, tinted glass and clear lens indicator. The rear of the hatchback is packed with prominent tail light cluster, body colored bumper, cute rear windshield, high mounted stop lamps and stylish rear bumper with bold Datsun logo engraved on it. The hatchback measures 3785mm in length, 1635mm in width and 1485mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2450mm.
Like the exteriors of this hatchback, the manufacturers of Datsun GO haven’t left a stone unturned when designing the interiors. The overall coziness and pleasure of driving this hatchback lies in its soul which is its spacious and comfortable interiors. While the central console remains absent providing more space for the driver and the passenger sitting in the front, the gear shift knob lies in the leather pouch just underneath the dashboard consisting of sophisticated music system and chrome plated round shaped air conditioner vents. Premium fabric upholstery,dual toned interiors, adjustable seats, power assisted steering wheel, rear seat belts, enhanced leg space, cute yet aggressive instrument cluster with speedometer and fuel indicator are some of the interior features in this cheap hatchback.
Dastun GO will be powered bya three-cylinder, 1.2-litre and 12-valve petrol engine consisting of a Dual Overhead Cam Shaft (DOHC). To increase the mileage for this hatchback, the Japanese have kept the engine less powerful than its other counterparts. The 1198 cc, 3 cylinder inline DOHC 12 valve petrol engine produces a peak power of 67bhp at 5000 rpm, while generating a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine is projected to be comprising of five-speed manual transmission gear box setting. The key feature of this hatchback is its mileage boasting at 18-20kmpl on highways and 12-15 kmpl in city.
Datsun GO projects to be one of the most sophisticated cars in its segment when it comes to handling and safety. From the smallest turning radius to responsive electrically powered steering with tilt adjustment, drum brakes on the rear wheel to ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels, ABS with EBD and BA to McPherson Strut type suspension, the hatchback has all the essential handling features at such a low cost. Safety features include power windows, central door locking with remote keyless entry, airbags, engine immobilizer, child safety locks, side and front impact beams and bright halogen headlamps for improved visibility.
