The Datsun Go is a popular offering for those that are looking for an affordable, reliable car that is cheap to run and fun to drive. Datsun is a sub-brand of Nissan, intended to be an affordable alternative for developing markets. They promote low maintenance and agreeable ownership costs and as such have appealed to the first-time car owner and younger drivers.
Related: Datsun Go vs Renault Kwid vs Hyundai Grand i10: which one has the lowest running costs?
2014 saw the resurgence of the brand with the launch of the first Datsun Go and this received a facelift in late 2018. This update saw the addition of several features and a change to many others.
Here are the 5 biggest differences between a pre-facelift Datsun Go and a new model on offer today (or post-2018).
1. Goodbye Bench!
The original Datsun Go was equipped with a bench seat for the front occupants. While not a solid bench (the driver's side was independently adjustable) it still included a centre squab which meant that there was no centre console or traditional transmission tunnel (despite being front-wheel-drive).
The new Go has two, individual seats now and a centre console that allows for additional storage and fresh new cabin design. It may seem small, but this change makes the world of difference to the overall feel of the Go.
2. It's got a real handbrake!
Ok, so the old Go did have a handbrake, but it was a terrible design - no wonder they did away with it. It was a pull handle that was mounted in the dashboard as opposed to being mounted on the floor between the front occupants (thank you bench seat).
The new one now uses a traditional-style handbrake lever between the two front seats and is a lot easier to use when pulling away on a hill or in stop-start traffic.
3. Infotainment.
Well, the old one didn't really have ANY entertainment whatsoever. It was equipped with speakers but you would have to plug your phone in and stream your music via a physical cable connection in order to get any sort of music or radio.
The good news is that, along with the redesigned dashboard, you now also get a full 7-inch infotainment system, complete with radio, USB, Bluetooth and AUX input... and get this... Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! Tethering your smartphone and enjoying apps on the move has never been easier.
4. Revised styling.
Not too much was changed at first glance and you may notice that the front and rear bumpers have a slightly different look to them. With the facelift, you also get a revised grille, new headlights, and new LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) upfront. The rear was also tweaked and the new rear bumper looks a little more sporty with a diffuser-style design in the lower section.
5. You can choose an auto!
The first Datsun Go was only ever available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, mated to the 1.2-litre engine. While this is a great gearbox and perfectly suitable for daily use, Datsun identified that there is a demand for a self-shifting option and have answered the public requests.
As such you can now opt for an automatic Datsun Go which is fitted with a CVT gearbox that does away with the automatic shift points as well. You can read about it all here in our road test review: Datsun Go 1.2 Lux Auto (2020) review: Seamless shifting in a Go.
Recommended next:
Hyundai Atos vs Renault Kwid vs Datsun Go: which one has the best infotainment system?
Hyundai Atos vs Kia Picanto vs Datsun Go: which one is the best value for money?
Budget Automatics: Suzuki Celerio faces off against Renault Kwid and Datsun Go
