Top 6 changes on the Datsun Go facelift explained

The Datsun Go facelift is expected to be launched in 2017. But, Nissan has already zeroed in on the changes. These changes are based on consumer feedback, says Nissan. We also believe these changes will go a long way towards making the Go feel and look more upmarket; something the Datsun hatchback will need to hold its own against its own sibling, the Redi-Go, which will be cheaper, better looking and more modern when launched next year. Here are the top six changes being made to make the Datsun Go more desirable.

Bigger wheels
One of the USPs of the Datsun Go, according to Nissan, was its size. In the face of competition like the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Hyundai Eon, the Go was perceived to be a bigger, more upmarket car. But, its tiny wheels robbed the car of its stance. It also created an impression of the car being unstable at high speed. Nissan will change this on the facelift and will move to 14inch wheels. Alloy wheels too will finally be offered on the top of the line T version.

Closed glovebox
Currently, the Go offers useful storage as part of its dashboard. It was open under trays on both the driver and passenger sides to stow away stuff. But, the lack of a closed glovebox has come in for flak. The Datsun Go facelift will incorporate a closed glovebox on the passenger side (like every other car) while it's not certain whether the storage under tray on the driver side will continue or not.

New sound system
The top of the line Datsun Go T already comes with a sound system. But, it has limited usability as it can only play music off phones or MP3 players. Nissan is upgrading this system and the new unit will come with a CD player plus playback capability from inputs like AUX and USB. Nissan is also considering Bluetooth connectivity and Satnav as part of the upgrade.

 

Revised dashboard
Nissan has already announced that the Go will come with a driver side airbag. But, as part of the facelift, the dashboard design too is undergoing a change. And we believe, the new dashboard should come with a passenger side airbag as well. Moreover, the dash will get chrome highlights around the AC vents and the centre console (possibly even the door handles), and the material and colour of the dashboard will be revised as well. Beige is being considered to replace grey as the colour of choice. The dashboard will continue to be dual tone, nonetheless.

New instrumentation
Entry-level cars like the Tata Nano and the Maruti Suzuki Alto have moved to digital displays that throw up more information than just odo, trip, rpm and speed. The unit on the Datsun Go, however, is still old school. And not just in operation but in design as well. Nissan is working towards a more comprehensive digital display for the Go facelift. It is expected to be more appealing visually, and it might also come with a proper gear shift indicator instead of the static guide it currently has. The latter, honestly, hasn't proven to be useful.

Retractable rear seat belts
Now this one is under consideration. Currently, the rear seat belts on the Datsun Go are hugely impractical thanks to the lack of a retraction mechanism. Nissan's argument, hitherto, has been that this shortcoming doesn't affect buying decisions, so it wasn't cause for concern. But, having to manually adjust the seat belt every time a different person gets in the back, can be extremely irritating. Plus, many users wouldn't know what the tightness of the belt should be leaving them prone to injury in a crash. Nissan officials seem to understand this fact and are therefore considering retractable seat belts for the facelift, but nothing has been finalised yet. We hope it makes it; if nothing else, it will add to the ownership experience.