1. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
For a hands-free experience, the importance of screen mirroring cannot be overlooked. Instead of fiddling with your phone or the standard 7-inch colour touchscreen as you drive, rather let your Google Assistant or Siri do the work. The only downside is that you have to adjust the volume on-screen. Bluetooth is also a standard feature, along with a USB port and Auxiliary input.
Thanks to screen mirroring, you can compose Whatsapps, listen to your favourite podcasts, or let Google Maps take care of navigation while your hands are on the wheel and your eyes on the road. The touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto is standard across the board.
2. Rear-parking sensors
Every model in the Datsun Go+ lineup is fitted with parking sensors, allowing you to stop in time if a pedestrian, cyclist, or object comes close to your vehicle's rear-end. This will help prevent accidents as well as keep your Go+ in tip-top shape, since panel-beating can be an expensive exercise!
3. Daytime running lamps
Standard on the two Lux models only, these LED DRLs allow your Go+ to be highly visible as you approach oncoming traffic, whatever the weather or time of day. In Europe, it's mandatory for cars to have DRLs.
4. Stability control
Apart from the usual ABS or anti-lock brakes, Datsun has also added stability control, also known as Electronic Stability Program or Vehicle Dynamic Control. This keeps you in control of the vehicle and helps to prevent skidding and roll-overs. The entry-level Mid model doesn't have it, but the two Lux model are equipped with this all-important feature.
5. Dual front airbags and 6 x pre-tensioner seatbelts
The driver and front passenger benefit from frontal airbags, while all occupants, except for the passenger in the middle of the second row, have three-point pre-tensioner seatbelts that pull tight to hold you in place if needed.
Crash testing, and such
The 2017 crash test for the Go+ (with only one airbag and no stability control) wasn't favourable, but Datsun has since added more safety features to appeal to families. However, it's down to how well the cabin performs under load, ie how the body shell reacts when involved in a crash, that really counts. While the aforementioned features certainly help to prevent collisions in the first place, when the worst happens you don't want to be in a vehicle where the body shell is rated as unstable. We will have to wait for the second round of Go+ crash tests by GlobalANCAP before advising you, our reader, to go out and buy one. Personally, I would rather opt for a lightly-used Suzuki Ertiga before committing to a new Datsun Go, mainly for this reason.
