Now, when Nissan's low-cost car brand Datsun is all set to launch the Go hatchback in India very soon, and Maruti Suzuki India's all new offering Celerio has been selling like hot-cakes, we compare these two cars for our readers to help them pick the best car between the two. (Also Read Maruti Celerio vs Chevrolet Beat)
The reason why are we comparing these two cars, is the price point, as some of the variants of both the cars will fall in the same price bracket. However, the Celerio is a segment higher within the entry-level hatchback space.
Design
It's a known fact that the design of a car is among one of the most important factors, which might influence and/or distract a buyer in choosing a car. However, design is quite a subjective-matter, so it may vary person to person.
Designed on the company's 'Curve in, Curve Out' (CICO) styling, the Celerio manages to look bolder than the car it replaces i.e. A-Star. With prominent wide grille and edged swept black headlamps, bumper with a large air dam and bonnet with character lines, the Celerio gives you a sense of freshness. However, it has a design of a typical hatchback. What really impresses most about this car is its spacious and no-non sense cabin. The cabin looks quite airy and can easily accommodate five passengers.
The Datsun Go, on the other hand is based on the same V-platform as the Nissan Micra, but has a completely new design both inside and out. The design of the Go isn't outstanding, but the car looks good for the segment it belongs. The prominent lines all over the places, bold chrome grille at the front fascia and well shaped front bumper, give it a contemporary look. The car resembles to the Alto 800, if watched from sides.
Engine
The engine size was other factor, which convinced me to compare these two cars. Both the cars have almost similar power producing engines. Datsun go derives its power from a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol mill that churns out a maximum power output of 67.1bhp. The engine powering the Go, is the same found under the Micra, but it has been tuned to deliver better fuel efficiency. Maruti Suzuki Celerio with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder, petrol mill produces exactly the same power output.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is one area, where Maruti Suzuki Celerio takes a big lead against the Datsun Go. The Celerio returns an ARAI certified mileage of 23.1kmpl, which makes it the most fuel-efficient car of its league. On the other hand, the Datsun Go returns a mileage over 20kmpl, which is quite decent, but not as good as the Celerio.
Pricing
Datsun India has promised to roll out this vehicle at Sub Rs 4 lakh price tag, which if happens, will make the Go hatchback one of the most affordable cars available in the country. The Celerio too starts at Rs 3.90 lakh, so at least the entry level manual transmission gearbox equipped variants of the car will cost equivalent to the Go. But, we guess the Go hatchback to be priced at least a lakh lesser than the Celerio, which might give the former a competitive advantage.
Verdict
If you are looking for a spacious hatchback, with a better brand value, more features (remember you'll have to spend more) and superb mileage, the Maruti Celerio is a better car between the two. While, if you want a car that's not-common, offers you a decent mileage and comes at an affordable price, the Go hatchback might prove to be a great car.
