The Datsun brand was reborn in 2014 and the GO hatchback was the first product to hit the Indian market. This was followed by the GO+, which came with 5+2 seating. But both the models did not really excite the car buyer and failed to make a mark in the segment despite having a competitive price. Datsun gave both the models a comprehensive facelift last year with styling updates, new interiors and more equipment, enhancing the appeal of both the GO twins. Datsun has now decided to go the automatic way by adding a CVT gearbox to both, the GO and the GO+. Considering the growing popularity of automatics, it’s a great move and I was in a very hot Chennai to have a Go (pun intended) in both the cars.

Visually, there are no changes to the GO and GO+ since last year’s facelift. The CVT will be available in the range topping T and the T(O) variants. There is a hexagonal front grille with chrome border, large headlamps, prominent air dam in the front bumper along with vertical LED DRLs in black housings on either side. There are 14-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a black strip that runs across the side and roof rails that are purely cosmetic. The rear remains unchanged as well. There is a roof spoiler, a chrome garnish on the boot lid and a chrome exhaust tip. A CVT badge is prominently placed on the left bottom side of the tail gate.

The interiors are unchanged as well. While our GO test car came with all black interiors, the GO+ featured a tone tone cabin. The layout is much better than before and quality of materials is a notch up as well. There are a few hard plastics that feel cheap though. The 7.0 inch touch screen infotainment system is very easy to use and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are some nice faux carbon fibre bits around as well. The distinguishing factor is the CVT gear lever that is placed right and feels convenient to use. You all get a gear indicator in the instrument cluster as well. Fit and finish is good too. It gets a chrome shift button, and there’s a small button to activate and deactivate Sports Mode as well. While the GO had black and red leather seat covers, the GO+ had black and silver covers.

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