The Go+ uses a de-tuned Nissan Micra engine with unchanged cubic capacity and maximum torque; peak power is down to 68 PS in the interest of the claimed fuel economy of 20.62 km/l (under test conditions). A five-speed manual transmission supplies this power to the front wheels.
The engine is not particularly quiet owing to the absence of sound-deadening material inside the bonnet. Low-end performance is good, though the notchy gear-shift requires some effort. Engine noise is less intrusive at higher speeds, though the light steering could have been more communicative.
The Go+ is slightly sluggish in the mid-range, but at the higher end of the speedo, acceleration is very good. Due to the hilly locales and narrow, winding roads, we could not push the car to very high speeds and thus its behaviour at such speeds remains untested.
The Go+ offers fantastic ride quality, a massive boon on the typical Indian road that is pockmarked with ruts, holes, speed-breakers and other intrusions. Journeys thus are comfortable with the ride becoming even better at higher speeds.
Body-roll remains a concern, the increased length on an identical wheelbase possibly playing a role here. Straight-line stability is good and reassuring for all within the car.
A segment-creator it is, but the Go+ is not really the kicker that Nissan hope it could be. The only USP is the third row, which is not really usable, and the car actually makes more sense if considered as a hatchback with a large boot. Interior is bare and some more features, especially safety kit, could serve to pull in a lot of customers. Positives include passenger space in the first two rows, fuel economy, and good ride quality. The key factor, then, has to be price – this car cannot battle the likes of the Ertiga, but if priced within Rs 4.5-5.5 lakh, it might just attract buyers looking for a spacious hatchback that can seat seven, with the last row passengers crying for room. A true plus it may not be then, but a niche creator it could just become.
