Nissan to unveil Datsun GO+ at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo

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Nissan will showcase its Datsun GO+ MPV and the GO hatchback at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. While the GO+ has already been introduced in the Indonesian market, this is the first time the Indian market will get to see the compact MPV in the flesh. Datsun is a brand Nissan has reintroduced to sell its budget cars in emerging markets like India, Russia, Indonesia and South Africa.

Both the GO and GO+ share the same platform as the previous generation  Nissan Micra. Both will be powered by the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the Micra, though due to its larger dimensions, the one in GO+ has been tuned for more power. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the mill in the GO+ will churn out 68bhp and 104Nm of torque. Owing to India’s love for diesels, we can also expect the 1.5-litre diesel engine to show up in the GO+. The MPV will belocally manufactured at Nissan’s Oragadam plant in Chennai and sold through Nissan dealerships across the country. As a cost cutting measure, interiors and many-a-component will be identical to the GO.

Though the hatchback and the MPV have the same wheelbase, the GO+ will be a seven-seater. Extra overhang behind the rear wheels have been addedto accommodate the third row of seat. Its overall length stays below four metres qualifying it for the concessions applicable for sub-four-metre cars. Thus we can expect the car to be priced competitively, probably lower than its rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Mahindra Quanto.