Nissan’s budget brand Datsun has finally launched its first car in India, the Go. The car has been strategically positioned by Datsun with the intention of cutting the market share of entry level cars like the Hyundai Eon and Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and even higher segment cars like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Hyundai Santro.

The Datsun Go is available in three trim levels, namely D, A, and T; of which only the T Variant is equipped with modern features such as power steering, air conditioning and front power windows (no rear power windows). This higher trim level is also packed with features like central locking, full wheel covers, body-color bumpers, and a dual-speaker compatible auxiliary audio system with mobile docking station. This music system doesn’t even feature a radio so don’t expect much from this system and even the available USB port can only be used for charging.

However, all variants of the Go come packed with features like tracking headlights, speed-sensing wipers, gear shift indicator, an engine immobilizer, and a digital trip computer. Apart from these features, you also get an air conditioning system in the intermediate variant.

However, the specifications of the Datsun Go remain the same for its three variants, as the car is only available with a gasoline engine in our market. The car is powered by the Nissan-sourced 1.2-litre three-cylinder DOHC petrol engine with a power output of 67 bhp at 5000 rpm. The maximum torque output of this engine is 100 Nm and is available at 4000 rpm. This engine is tuned for efficiency and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Nissan claims an ARAI certified mileage of 20.6 kpl for the car.

If you go for the Datsun Go price range (ranging from INR 3.12 lakhs to INR 3.69 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), there is no car in its competition that offers as much power, features and comfort as the Go. This new Datsun It behaves very well on our roads and gives you a much more stable feel than when you drive cars like an Alto 800 or an Eon at high speeds.

Any Datsun Go review will be incomplete without complimenting its interiors and packaging. The car is the most spacious in its segment to date and features a first-in-class integrated front bench seat, making it capable of carrying more passengers in comfort. The AC vents and a few other things inside the Go have been lifted from the Micra Active and look better than what you get in the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. The interiors sure aren’t as sporty as the interiors of the Hyundai Eon, but the space and interior packaging the Go definitely gives it an edge over most entry level cars in India.