Datsun Go+ CVT – Seven Seats on a Budget
The Datsun Go+ CVT has also been introduced and is the only sub-four-metre, compact seven-seat vehicle to offer that choice. Essentially a 207-mm longer, tweaked Go, the Go+ has the added advantage of more rear cargo room (347 litres) or the potential of having two more occupants, albeit compact, in the third-row bench. There are two front airbags, but none of the rows have adjustable head-rests and, as such, it’s best that children or short adults sit in rows two and three, with the rear of their cranium resting within the support borders.
The Go+ uses the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine as the Datsun Go CVT, which means the added power is here as well: 77 hp and 104 Nm of peak torque. Even so, the delivery is more than adequate. Shift the big gear-lever from P (Park) to D (Drive) and the Go+ takes off with ease. The meaty bottom end is a boon, especially in traffic, and makes for enough performance. We didn’t get to try the Go+ with most of its seats occupied; however, the pulling-power of the engine seems sorted. Another aspect on the move is the body-roll, again at speed. While it doesn’t gather momentum too quickly, once up there, it feels like it doesn’t belong. The steering feel and slightly spongy brake feel further act as means of speed control.
The Go+ is about Rs 30k more than the Go hatchback and only has two competitors in its price range, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco and the Renault Triber that are, again, varied offerings in themselves. For sheer flexibility on a tight budget, the Go+ does make a case for itself.
Edit: The Datsun Go+ CVT has been launched at Rs 6.58 lakh for the T trim and Rs 6.80 lakh for the T(O) trim.
