Datsun took the wraps off the facelifted Go and Go+ in early May 2018. We can now confirm that the refreshed models will go in sale in India in late September this year in the run up to the festive season.
The Datsun Go hatchback and Go+ MPV facelifts will be identifiable by their revised styling package. While it is not yet clear if the versions for India will sport the same body kit as the facelift models unveiled in Indonesia, the cars will get reprofiled headlamps and restyled front bumpers with integrated daytime running LEDs. A different mesh and perhaps even chrome detailing on the Datsun hexagonal grille are also expected. Higher-spec versions of the Go and Go+ will also make the switch to 14-inch alloy wheels; both models get only plastic wheel covers at the moment. Datsun is said to be striving for a more premium look for its models and the updates should help to that end.
However, it's the Datsun Go and Go+'s cabins that will see the biggest change. The basic dashboard of the current models' will make way for a new dash. Sure, there will be carryover elements like the high set gear lever and the shape of the side air-con vents, but the larger look is new. There's a new design for the central vents but taking a pride of place on the new dash is a new 6.75-inch touchscreen. The instruments cluster will also get a revision and will see the addition of an analogue tachometer. Moreover, the new dash will also get proper lids for the glovebox. The exposed storage bay of the original models drew flak from buyers.
What will also help spruce up the look, will be new front seats. The conjoined bench-like front seats will be replaced by individual chairs for the driver and co-driver. And with the update, Datsun will also do away with the antiquated pull-type handbrake at the dash and replace it with a more convenient and conventional lift-type unit between the front seats.
The Datsuns will also get feature upgrades with the addition of electric mirror adjust, rear power windows, rear wash/wipe and rear parking sensors. Steering-mounted audio buttons and a defogger are not expected, though. We have learned that Datsun will also up the safety quotient on these models with the facelift. It is expected that a driver's side airbag and ABS will now come standard, while passenger side airbag will be part of the kit on higher trim cars. It is not known, however, if the cars will receive structural enhancements for safety too.
The updated Go and Go+ will continue to be offered with the current three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, mated to a five speed manual transmission. Datsun sells a CVT-equipped Go in the Indonesian market but it is unlikely to make it to India. AMT versions could be on the cards, however.
The updates will come at a price. Expect the facelifted Go and Go+ to cost anywhere between Rs 25,000-50,000 more than the current models. At present, the Go costs Rs 3.35-4.26 lakh, while the Go+ is priced at Rs 3.91-5.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The move up the price ladder will also bring with it fresh competition from the likes of the Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Hyundai's new small car that comes out later this year.
Besides the updated Datsuns, there's more to come from the Renault-Nissan alliance in India. Come January 2019, Nissan will launch the Kicks crossover and later that year Renault will also be out with its new compact MPV.
Are the updates enough for you to consider a Datsun Go and Go+ as your next small car? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also see:
Datsun Go, Go+ facelift image gallery