Datsun Go+ MPV revealed

The Datsun Go+ has been revealed, and will go on sale in Indonesian markets from next year.

Essentially an MPV version of the Go hatchback which relaunched the Japanese marque earlier this year, the Go+ will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the hatchback. Also crossing over from the hatch is the five-speed manual gearbox, which sends power to the front axle.

The MPV also shares the same wheelbase as its smaller sibling, although its overall length has increased by 210mm to provide room for two additional passengers.

Inside, the Go+ follows the design of the Go hatchback almost exactly, also doing without a traditional AM/FM radio in favour of dedicated smartphone integration.

"With the return of the Datsun brand, we are changing mobility," said Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn "And we're ensuring greater access to the pride, independence and opportunities that car ownership provides."

The company has yet to announce official pricing for the model, but it is expected to command a premium over the £4400 asked for the hatchback. By comparison, a Tata Nano costs £1700.

The move to relaunch Datsun is believed to be part of Nissan's plans to cater for the budget end of the car market, in much the same vein as Renault is doing with its Dacia models.

Nissan says it hopes that the Datsun brand will account for half of its total sales in Indonesia by 2016, but has stated that there are no plans for the brand to come to Europe. The brand will however be rolled out to countries including India, Russia and South Africa.