Cartrade Comparison Test
Nissan, the Japanese automaker revived its low-cost car brand, Datsun, after 30 years to increase its market share in the growing nations such as India, Russia, South Africa and Indonesia. Datsun GO was the company’s first product that falls in the same budget hatchback segment where we have some really decent cars like Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Alto K10 and Hyundai Eon.
Maruti Suzuki had launched the WagonR tall boy hatchback in 1999, followed by a facelift in 2003 and in 2006. This decade old product is still doing great business for the maker and the company managed to sell over 10,000 units of the cars each month. The Wagon R hatchback is facing stiff competition from the new entrants like Datsun Go.
Here is a brief comparison between the two models -
Exteriors and Interiors
Based on the Nissan Micra's V-platform, the Go hatchback is a spacious yet affordable hatchback. Upfront is a hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, flanked by large, sweptback headlamps. There is floating lines on the hood that combines with grille and bumper to give muscular appearance. The side profile looks similar to the Nissan Micra. It features black cladding on the windows and black coloured outside rear view mirrors. At the rear, the Go hatchback gets vertically stacked tail lamps and openable boot lid. Dimensionally, the small car is 3.7 metre in length, 1.6 metre in width and 1.4 metre in height, and 2.4 metre wheelbase.
Talking about Maruti Suzuki WagonR, the updated model gets modern front fascia. It features a new dual-slat front grille with an exclusive stroke of chrome. The vehicle gets a massive air dam and revised sporty fog lamps and revised bumper. At the back, the hatchback has revised tail lights and bumper.
Inside the cabin, the Go hatchback gets dual-tone shade with beige trim and grey as the second color. It is equipped with air conditioning, AUX-in with two speakers, mobile docking system, digital tachometer, average fuel economy and distance to empty, follow-me-home headlamps, speed sensitive wipers, and jacquard seat upholstery. The top-end variant gets electric power steering, mobile docking system with amplifier, central locking, universal mobile holder, optional driver-side airbag, etc.
Talking about the Wagon R, the hatchback is really spacious and the large dashboard feels decent. It is equipped with air conditioner, tilt adjustable power steering, headlight off and ignition key off reminder, fabric upholstery, partial split rear seats, adjustable headrests, etc. The instrument panel comprises of digital clock, and seat belt, low fuel level and door ajar warning indicators. For passenger entertainment, the tall boy hatchback gets 2-DIN music system with AM/FM Radio, CD player, MP3 Playback and AUX compatibility.
Engine Specifications
The Datsun Go hatchback is powered by a 1.2-litre engine that churns out 67bhp of power and 104Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox which sends power to the front wheels. It is claimed to return an impressive ARAI certified fuel economy of 20.6kmpl. On the other hand, the Wagon R hatchback gets a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 67bhp of power at 6200rpm and 90Nm of torque at 3500rpm. It is also available with factory fitted CNG kit. Power is transmitted to front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine is claimed to return an ARAI certified fuel economy of 20.5kmpl.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a tall boy hatchback, which offers excellent legroom and headroom space for both front and rear occupants. This car offers high fuel efficiency, but it looks a bit aged compared to its contemporaries. On the other hand, the Datsun Go hatchback looks modern, and appealing. It offers high fuel efficiency and spacious cabin.
