2018 Datsun GO & GO+ (facelifts) to offer Apple CarPlay & Android Auto - Report

29/09/2018 - 20:34 | Datsun Go, Datsun | Yatharth Chauhan

Datsun India will unveil the refreshed versions of the GO and the GO+ to the media on 9 October 2018. The 2018 Datsun GO & GO+ (facelifts) will carry several styling updates, first seen on the Indonesian-spec models. As per Autocar India, the top-spec variants of both models will feature a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Datsun GO (facelift) infotainment system — The 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It should help the models gain an edge, on paper, over similarly priced models like the Renault Kwid 1.0 and the Maruti Wagon R.

The 2018 Datsun GO & GO+ (facelifts) will sport an updated set of headlamps, bolder front bumper with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and a bolder grille. The higher trim-levels are likely to feature 14-inch alloy wheels instead of the plastic wheel covers on the current version. While the budget-end models are available with an optional body kit in Indonesia, the company is unlikely to provide the same in our market as ground clearance is a concern.

The interior of both the models will be comprehensively updated. The dashboard of the current models will be replaced with a new version that will feature a lid for the glove compartment. The central air vents will have a new design, and the top-end trim will be kitted out with a touchscreen infotainment unit. The instrument cluster will feature an analogue tachometer.

The current 2+1-like front seats will be replaced with bucket seats. Thanks to the new seating setup, the pull-type handbrake positioned near the gear lever will be replaced with a conventional lift-type unit between the front seats.

Datsun India should make structural improvements as well as upgrades to the safety equipment to achieve compliance with the safety norms that will come into effect on 1 July 2019. All the trims will need a driver’s side airbag, ABS, rear parking sensors, ELR-type seatbelts, seatbelt reminder for front occupants, and a speed alert system as a part of the standard equipment list.

The current 1.2-litre 12V three-cylinder engine, which comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, will be carried over to the facelifts. The motor produces a maximum power of 68 PS at 5,000 rpm & a peak torque of 104 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The Indonesia-spec Datsun GO is on sale with an optional CVT, but the same isn’t likely to be offered here owing to the cost-sensitive nature of the base car market. An AMT would be more suited to the Go twins.

2018 Datsun GO+ (facelift) engine live image — The current 1.2-litre 12V three-cylinder unit will be carried over to the facelifts. While bringing in an optional CVT doesn't look feasible, the company should contemplate offering an AMT instead.

Also Read- Datsun GO+ facelift spied testing on the expressway [Video]

With a combined monthly sales average of 450 units (March 2018 - August 2018), the Datsun GO and the Datsun GO+ are far from being the choice of many buyers. The launch of the facelifts with a more upmarket interior and emotional design, are likely to stimulate Datsun sales this festival season.