More Stylish

Datsun Go has received substantial updates. The first to be visible are the revised styling, a redone cabin and equipment. Offering dual airbags, ABS and EBD, brake assist, and rear parking sensors as standard, the Go is also claimed to meet the new crash test norms that will come into effect from October 2019. Apart from the hexagonal business grille with a new mesh, the car, at the front, gets a revised bumper that looks angular and appealing. The recesses at either corner of the bumper are the highlight and contain LED daytime running lights. The lights, however, are a standard offering on top-spec model only. 

Bringing the side profile of the car up to speed are the new 14-inch dia wheels and 165/70 R14 tyres, which  enhance the look of the Go when compared to the rather puny looking wheels of the earlier car. The smart looking alloys are again a standard offering on only the top-spec versions. The body coloured caps for door mirrors are also new. At the rear, the Go gets a new bumper. Apart from a rear wash/ wipe, the revised Go gets a chrome lip at the bottom of the tail gate. Missing though is the rear windscreen defogger.
 
All-new interior
A sea of change marks the interior. The dash and front seats are new. The dash now contains a lid for the glovebox compartment. The centre console is replete with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It is offered as standard on the top-spec versions though. A revised instrument cluster now includes a tacho. Back to the infotainment system, and the screen tends to be reflective. If this can make it a little difficult to operate it in the absence of physical switches or knobs, the system is laced with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The USB and Aux are under the gear lever. The front new seats are no longer ‘connected’ and offer good support. The space between the seats now contains the parking brake lever. Lack of steering or seat height adjustments means there is limited scope to make changes to the driving position. There is a fair amount of space on offer at the rear. Tall people, however, are likely to get their knees to touch the front seats. The headrests are fixed but so small that they may not be sufficient to provide protection from whiplash. The 265-litre stowage space at the rear is in keeping with the cars in its class. A parcel shelf is sorely missed.
 
Not meant for high speed 
The 68bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine provides more than adequate performance in the city. The car may seem to lack a bit in initial response, it gets going as the tacho needle moves past 2000rpm. A strong mid-range makes for a peppy feel and good response. The 5-speed gearbox works well. 
Making for an easy drive in the city,  on the highway the car tends to run out of steam. Revved to extract more power, the engine turns vocal. Weighing 846kg, the Go has a chime coming in as the speeds exceed 80kmph.This is part of the requirement by the law starting April 2019. At speeds, the Go does seem to get affected by the cross winds a bit. If the inclusion of ABS inspires confidence, the car could get some more braking feel. The problem is that the car does not feel as sure-footed as it should. 

The ride, though a bit on the firmer side, is good. The 180mm ground clearance also works in its favour when tackling bad patches. The change of tyres has noticeably improved handling, and inspires greater confidence. Another area of improvement is refinement. The Go does not have as much outside noise filtering into the cabin any more. Even the noise emanating from the wheel wells has been filtered.
  
Verdict
With prices starting at Rs 3.29 lakh ex-showroom for the base D trim and going up to Rs 4.89 lakh for the T (O) trim, the Go, for those who would like, offers a number of accessories. Not only does it look better and more attractive, and has a well-revised cabin, it has gained a good deal in terms of equipment. Most importantly, it is a highly competitive offering in its segment, which includes the Tiago and the WagonR. 

Pros: Revised cabin looks decidedly upmarket, equipment, value
Cons: Lower spec versions not as well equipped