Datsun Go CVT vs rivals: Specifications comparison

Datsun’s budget hatchback, the Go, underwent a mid-cycle update last year that brought with it tweaked styling, refreshed interiors and more equipment. Earlier this year, Datsun gave the car another update with the introduction of what it calls Vehicle Dynamic Control, making it the most affordable car on sale in India with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control. However, one area in which the Go was still lacking, especially compared to its competition, was an automatic gearbox option.

The Japanese brand has remedied this lack by launching the CVT automatic Go at Rs 5.94-6.18 lakh, making the model unique in its segment. All its rivals – the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago – get the more cost-effective AMT gearbox. So how does the Datsun Go CVT fare against its rivals? We put them together, on paper, to find out.

Dimensions

Starting with the dimensions, the Go is the longest hatchback – in terms of both length and wheelbase – though, in terms of height, it is the shortest out of the lot. The Tiago is the widest model here but only by a narrow margin over the second-place Santro, though both models share an identical wheelbase length. The Wagon R is the tallest of the lot by a significant margin, with Maruti having followed its predecessor’s formula of using its height to liberate space within the cabin.

When it comes to wheels, 14-inch steel units are par for the course for all models here, though the Tiago goes one up by offering 15-inch alloy wheels on the fully-loaded AMT variant. The Go gets alloy wheels in its top trim level as well. While lower-spec variants of the Santro AMT get 13-inchers, the higher trims get 14-inch wheels.

In terms of weight, the Wagon R is the lightest car here with the Tiago being the heaviest, weighing in at a little over a tonne.

Powertrain

Moving to the mechanicals, the Tiago is the most powerful car here, on paper, though only by a slim margin over the Wagon R – the Tata is also a cylinder down. The Santro has the smallest motor here and is also the least powerful car of the lot.

The Go’s USP here is that it is the only model to get a CVT gearbox option, while its competitors stick to 5-speed AMT units. Another interesting fact is that the Go CVT is up on power as compared to its manual counterpart – it makes about 9hp more though the torque figure is identical.

However, when looking at the power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios, the Maruti has a definite edge over its rivals owing to its low kerb weight figure. The Datsun Go and Tata Tiago follow the Wagon R, with the Hyundai Santro coming in last.

Coming to fuel efficiency figures, it’s the Tiago that has the highest ARAI rating, though all hatchbacks listed here have figures north of 20kpl. For now, the Wagon R 1.2 has a few added advantages – it is the only BS6-compliant car here and it also comes with a smaller 1.0-litre petrol engine that also gets the option of an AMT gearbox.

Equipment

It is here that things get a bit interesting. The Go, Wagon R and Tiago get an automatic option in their respective fully-loaded trim levels while only mid-spec variants of the Santro get the option. This is why the Santro AMT is comparatively down on kit.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the Datsun is the only model in the segment to offer traction control and Electronic Stability Control, in addition to standard safety kit such as dual front airbags and ABS. As per its brochure, the Santro AMT in the higher-spec Sportz misses out on rear parking sensors (a feature that is standard across all variants of its rivals) though it does get a rear camera.

All models get their brand’s respective touchscreen infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. The Tiago stands out for its eight-speaker audio system and is the only model here to get auto climate control and electric folding wing mirrors in fully loaded form. It’s also the only model here to be offered with dual-tone paint shade options.

Price

Now for the prices: the automatic Datsun Go is understandably pricier than its rivals due to the more expensive CVT gearbox. The Hyundai Santro AMT’s starting price is the least here, though this lower-spec Magna trim feels comparatively bare-bones. Maruti’s Wagon R sits just above the Hyundai in terms of price while the Tata Tiago is the most expensive AMT-equipped model in this comparison, though it does come with a fair bit of kit for the price.

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