The Datsun Go is currently the most eagerly anticipated budget car launch in India. With a sub-Rs 4-lakh price tag, the Go has caught the attention of prospective first-time car buyers. But how does the Datsun Go compare to the current small car segment favourites Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon? We have the details by comparing the top variants of all three competitors.
First, the crucial pricing bit. The top Datsun Go T trim is priced at Rs 3.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The top Hyundai Eon Sportz trim costs Rs 3.85 lakh, while the top Maruti Alto K10 VXi trim retails for Rs 3.31 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Maruti Alto 800 has the smallest engine among the trio. It gets a three cylinder, 796cc engine which develops a maximum power of 47bhp at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 7kgm at 3,500rpm. The Hyundai Eon is powered by a slightly bigger three-cylinder, 814cc engine which produces a maximum power of 55bhp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 7.6kgm at 4,000rpm. The Datsun Go has the biggest motor among them which gives it a power advantage. The Go’s three-cylinder, 1198cc petrol motor makes a peak power of 67bhp at 5,000rpm and peak torque of 10kgm at 4,000rpm.
All trims of the Datsun Go come equipped with a segment-first follow-me-home headlights. Apart from this, the top Datsun Go T trim gets body coloured bumpers and door handles along with wheel covers, on the outside. The instrument panel has an on-board computer, which displays a digital tachometer, tripmeter, distance to empty along with the average and instantaneous fuel efficiency. It also comes with an AC, electric power steering, front power windows, a gear shift guide, a folding rear seat bench and central locking. It also gets a two-speaker audio system with just aux-in compatibility without radio, a mobile phone stand, a USB port for charging only and Jacquard seat upholstery.
The top Alto VXI gets body coloured bumpers and outside door handles along with a chrome accentuated front grille. It also has basic equipment such as an AC, power steering and front power windows. The driver airbag is as optional extra but it gets central locking, tubeless tyres, headlight levelling and engine immobiliser. It also gets a two-speaker audio system with CD, aux-in and USB compatibility, remote fuel lid opener and tail-gate release.
The top Eon Sportz trim comes equipped with engine immobiliser, central locking, keyless entry, front fog lamps, tubeless tyres, tilt steering and a driver airbag. On the exterior, it gets body coloured bumpers, wing mirrors and outside door handles. It also gets a dual tripmeter, gear shift indicator, front power windows, power steering, AC and a two-speaker audio system with CD, MP3, aux-in and USB compatibility. It also comes with a folding rear seat, remote fuel lid opener and tail-gate release.
In terms of dimensions, the Go measures 3,785mm in length, 1,635mm in width and has a wheelbase of 2,450mm. While the Hyundai Eon is 3,495mm length, 1,550mm breadth and its wheelbase is 2,380mm wheelbase. The Alto 800 is smaller than the Eon with a length of 3395mm, width of 1490mm and a 2360mm wheelbase.
The top Hyundai Eon Sportz trim is the most expensive entry-level hatchback. But the Hyundai Eon top trim comes with more equipment than its rivals. The top Maruti Alto K10 VXi trim has the lowest price tag. However in terms of size, the new Datsun Go offers a lot more space than its competitors for similar money.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
