Datsun GO Plus MPV to launch in India next year

Datsun currently has very little presence in the highly competitive budget car market here in India. The GO hatchback represents Datsun’s single model portfolio, however, the Japanese brand has plans to enhance its presence in the Indian car market by introducing new models and strengthening its existing dealer network.       

Going by its expansion plans for the Indian market, Datsun has revealed that it will launch the GO+ MPV in the first half of 2015. The GO+, which will be the company’s second model during the launch, is a mid-sized MPV designed to offer affordable transportation for the masses, along  with good looks and a spacious yet efficient packaging.

The GO+ MPV is based on Datsun’s comeback model - the GO hatchback. It can seat up to seven people, in a 2+3+2 configuration. Design wise, the GO+ shares the same front end as the hatchback. The rear expectedly is different though it is too reminiscent of the latter. 

Under the hood, there’s a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which produces 70bhp of power and 104Nm of torque. The same engine is also found in the Nissan Micra however, Datsun has detuned it in the interest of drivability and efficiency. At present, there is no news of a diesel engine although it will be lined up for the MPV in near future.

Like the hatchback, the GO+ will be positioned rather aggressively to take on its established rivals including the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio. Expect the entry-level model to cost somewhere between Rs 5.3 to Rs 5.5 lakh. At such a price point, the MPV is more than likely to be a match for both the Ertiga and the Mobilio.