Top five things you should know about the Datsun GO

Datsun held a world premiere for its low-cost hatchback the GO in New Delhi on Monday. Here is all you need to know about it.

Return of the Datsun brand

In terms of styling, the car looks smart and fresh and doesn't share a single panel with the Micra or Pulse

The entry level hatchback, code-named K2, is the first model that will reintroduce the Datsun brand after more than three decades. The car will be manufactured in India and will also be sold in other emerging markets, namely Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. The car is expected to start at Rs 3 lakh and will be positioned to take on mass selling models like the Alto, Eon etc. and even base variant cars from the B segment such as the i10, Beat and WagonR. The car will go on sale in India by mid-2014.

It isn't a rebadged Micra/Pulse

The car is expected to start at Rs 3 lakh and will be positioned to take on mass selling models like the Alto

Datsun is Nissan's budget brand and the GO does share a few components (engine and interiors from the Micra) and underpinnings from the Nissan V Platform cars, but it isn't a rebadged Micra or Pulse. In fact, an older generation Micra platform was earlier chosen as the base for the GO's development. However, the newer platform was preferred for better packaging. This is good news since the Micra is a well-packaged hatchback. The GO boasts of a slightly larger footprint compared to its competition such as the Alto and Eon. The car features two front seats that are very close to each other and in the process mimics a bench like design for added space.

In terms of styling, the car looks smart and fresh and doesn't share a single panel with the Micra or Pulse. The front features an angular grille that will also be seen in future Datsun models while the sides have a good definition thanks to a strong shoulder line and a prominent rear haunch. The sides and rear though seem inspired by the Maruti A-Star, which Nissan rebadges and sells in Europe as the Pixo.

What's under the hood

The Datsun will be tuned for better economy and we expect a lower power rating than in the Micra

Unlike other entry level hatchbacks that use a sub-1.0 litre engine, the GO borrows the proven HR12DE (XH5) three-cylinder 1.2 litre petrol engine from the Micra. The engine is capable of producing 75PS of max power. However, the Datsun will be tuned for better economy and we expect a lower power rating than in the Micra. The car will be lighter than the Nissan and on par with the competition. Expect class-leading power-to-weight ratio and impressive fuel economy as well. Datsun claims that the cost of ownership will also be low.

Will there be a diesel engine on offer?

The rear look inspired from the current Maruti A-Star/Nissan Pixo

There are no plans to introduce a diesel variant and even if Datsun could, the 1.5 K9K motor is the only option as of now. This engine will not only increase costs but will also be  tough to install into a small and light car like the GO. Besides the entry-level hatchback segment is dominated by petrol models and it only makes sense for Datsun to roll out just a petrol model.

What about features?

The Datsun's interiors look stylish for a low cost car

Unlike various Nissan models, don't expect Datsun to offer a slew of comfort and safety features in the GO. What the car has is class matching features like front power windows, full wheel covers and, surprisingly, a mobile dock holder. In terms of safety, expect ABS and a driver side airbag in the range topping model.