Maruti Suzuki was one of the first companies to launch a Multi Purpose Vehicle or MPV in the Indian auto market, called Ertiga. Ertiga was branded a 'Light Utility Vehicle' by Maruti and dominated the market until recently, when Nissan launched the Datsun Go+. Nissan has been marketing the Datsun Go+ as a station wagon but at its heart, it is a hatchback turned into an MPV. Both, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Datsun Go+, are the first choices for someone looking for an inexpensive, big family car. Here is a head-to-toe comparison of both the cars to make the choice easy.
The Datsun Go+ is both cheaper and less powerful than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Datsun models sells at around Rs. 4.6 Lakh (ex-showroom) while the Maruti Ertiga retails at an approximate price of Rs. 6 Lakhs (ex-showroom). Datsun is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine that is capable of generating a maximum power of 68 PS with highest torque of 104 Nm. While Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is powered by a more powerful 1.4 litre 4-cylinder, it is capable of generating a peak power output of 95 PS and a significantly larger torque of 130 Nm. Both the cars come with 5-speed manual gearboxes that are equally responsive and smooth.
Datsun Go+ is targeted at a segment lower than the Ertiga, but because of lack of options in the newly created MPV market in India, it has to face off with the bigger and more powerful Ertiga. Even though Ertiga is more powerful, the Nissan Datsun Go+ wins in the fuel economy department. The Datsun Go+ returns a fuel economy of around 20 kmpl, while the Ertiga gives an average of around 16 kmpl.
The Datsun Go+ is a larger version of the hatchback and hence is not very comfortable as a 7-seater. It best works as a 5-seater with a very large boot space. The interior of the car will remind you very much of its younger sibling hatchback. To keep its costs down, the interiors are kept very simplistic and basic. While the larger and the more costly Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes with more decent interior packaging. Ertiga also comes with a roof fitted A.C. for the back rows that the Datsun Go+ lacks.
Go+ also has a shorter wheelbase, width and height compared to that of Ertiga. Because of this, the Ertiga has more leg space especially in the 2nd and 3rd rows that make the seating position more comfortable. The last row of seats in Datsun Go+ are not large enough to seat any average sized adult comfortably, and hence are best suited for children or luggage.
As both the cars are targeted towards the lower end of the market, you shouldn’t expect them to be packed with features. The base versions of both the cars lack central locking and don’t include internal adjustment for outer rear view mirrors. The basic version of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga also lacks power windows. Surprisingly, the cheaper and less powerful, Datsun Go+ matches the Ertiga in almost all the features and even leaves it behind in some areas. The Go+ comes equipped with a 12V power outlet, mobile docking stations with AUX-in, power windows and front speakers.
From the outside, the Ertiga looks like a true MPV compared to the Nissan Datsun Go+ that looks like an elongated version of its younger sibling. The Maruti Ertiga looks masculine and balanced thanks to its 15-inch wheels, large windows and the dominating front while the Datsun Go+ is styled pleasantly, and just like its sibling, will appeal to the masses. Overall, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a more powerful and comfortable car than the Datsun Go+ and is the perfect choice for people looking for a bigger 7-seater car.
