Nissan sprang in with a good surprise in the hatchback segment with the Datsun Go launch earlier this year. The hatchback has been launched in three variants - D, A and T trims in four different interesting shades. The hatchback is offered at a price of Rs. 3.12 lakh for the entry level model, while the top spec model costs Rs. 3.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Overall, the vehicle is built on a light frame structure to focus on better performance and efficiency ratios. Ride quality is fairly decent with McPherson strut with double pivot lower arm suspension system for front and H-Type Torsion beam with linear damper for the rear. Moreover, the hatchback gets Speed Sensitive Electronic power steering as a standard feature. Amongst a list of hatchback cars in India, the Datsun brand faces the stiffest competition from the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The car maker has also paid special attention to the safety factor; the hatchback comes with engine immobilizer, manual central locking and child lock feature.
The 5 door Datsun Go hatchback is powered by a 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The fairly powered engine is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox and delivers a fuel efficiency of around 20.6 kmpl. As per sources, the diesel version is anticipated to be launched at a later unreleased date. The hatchback is said to be based on the Nissan Micra platform, with slight change in its overall length.
Going by initial demand seen post launch, the company also intended on inaugurating exclusive Datsun outlets in the country. Speaking more on the idea, Kenichiro Yomura, President, Nissan Motor India, said, “The transition has been smooth, and we are in the process of strengthening our sales, marketing and service teams. Almost all dealers have come under our fold. We have also received a lot of proposals from our existing dealers to open exclusive outlets for Datsun brand.” Nissan had anticipated sales figures of about 60,000 units annually, which meant that the company would drive sales of about 5000 units every month. Going by sales figures for last month, Datsun Go sales have dipped by over 50%. Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer at Nissan, said to sources, “Datsun has not lived up to internal expectations.” He stated that lack of dealerships may probably have limited the Go’s sales in the country.
