Datsun Redi GO

Datsun has launched a limited edition variant of redi-GO with cosmetic upgrades on the outside and inside. The ‘Sport’ limited edition is available at an additional premium of Rs 15,000 over the top-spec S variant. Cosmetic additions made to the exterior include themed grille with red accents, finished wheel cover, roof spoiler, race decals across the bonnet and roof. Inside, it sports sporty black interior theme. Additionally, the limited version comes with rear parking sensor, remote keyless entry and Bluetooth audio system among several others. Launched in India in June 2016, the hatchback is available in five variants-D, A, T, T (O) and S with a choice of 799cc petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

At Rs 2.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Datsun redi-GO not just undercuts rivals but its French cousin Kwid that is priced slightly higher. Realising that GO and GO+ could not do as good as Datsun had expected, the company has put its best foot forward in a bid to make a space for itself in the highly competitive budget segment. As much as it is convenient for customers to buy a low priced car, it takes immense effort for a carmaker to get all the right boxes ticked, in order to appeal to the consumers. Now that we know how crucial redi-Go is for Datsun India, let’s skew our focus on what it offers. To start with the hatchback has a very sporty exterior earmarked by sharp lines on the side panels. Despite sharing platform with Kwid, there is absolutely no resemblance with the hatchback when it comes to exterior styling, although inside the cabin it does get some bits that have been incorporated to cut down on cost, The tall boy design translates into a spacious cabin, but rear is a bit cramped and even the boot space is restricted to just 222 litres, which is again much less than that of Kwid, Under the hood, redi-GO features the same 800cc engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that is seen on the Kwid, power output and claimed mileage is similar but there is a noticeable difference in the performance.

Datsun Redi-GO Exterior

The tall boy design philosophy works well for the small car, Face is styled aggressively with long pulled back headlamps, Datsun’s quintessential hexagonal grille with honey comb mesh and chrome surrounding. Side profile is accentuated by sharp lines and flared wheel arches, something seen for the first time in the segment. Rear gets boomerang shaped tail lights and chrome garnish on the boot lid. Lending character to redi-GO is the sharp line on the bottom of the side panels that rises up to the tail lights.

Datsun Redi-GO Interior

Cabin is comfortable from the point of view of space; else it looks a tad dull featuring a dark colour scheme. Quality of plastic used inside and other materials are average, but Datsun has provided various storage points like cup-holder, bottle holder, cubby holes and door pockets. The company has tried hard to come up with a modish looking dashboard and centre console, but it doesn’t manage to impress. Boot space is relatively less at 222 litres as compared to Kwid that offers a capacious luggage compartment. 

Datsun Redi-GO Engine Specifications & Transmission

Power is derived from a 799cc, three cylinder iSAT petrol engine tuned to produce 53bhp at 5678rpm and 72Nm at 4386rpm. This is the same engine that does duty on the Kwid hatchback. Transmission duties are taken care of by the five-speed manual transmission missing out on the AMT unit which will be added later on. Currently in the segment, only Maruti Alto K10 comes with an AMT unit.

Datsun Redi-GO Features

Styling features on the outside include daytime running lights on the top end trim, silver accent frame on front grille, ORVMs on driver & passenger side, front wiper etc. Inside the cabin it gets power steering, 2-DIN audio system, front power windows, glove box with lid, fabric seat covers, passenger side storage tray to name a few. 

Datsun Redi-GO Performance & Mileage

The 800cc petrol engine is quite frugal in nature and claims an excellent mileage of 22.7km/l closely similar to its French cousin Renault Kwid.

Datsun Redi-GO Accessories & Infotainment

Datsun offers three additional body kits on redi-GO including Easy Kit-Sporty, Easy Kit-premium and Kool Kit. High end trim gets an audio system with USB, AUX-in, radio, FM/AM, CD player and MP3 player.

Datsun Redi-GO Braking & Handling

Braking force lacks dint, hence there is still some scope for improvement there. Even the anti-lock-braking system is missing from the model series. 

Datsun Redi-GO Safety & Security

Driver side airbag is standard on the top-spec variant missing out on the rest of the line-up. Besides driver side airbag, the hatchback also gets three point seat belts in front & rear, two point seat belts in rear central, rear door child safety lock and immobilizer. 

Datsun Redi-GO Comfort & Convenience

The hatchback gets a handful of comfort features like power windows in front, speed sensitive electronic power steering, air conditioner, bottle & cup holder and accessory socket etc.

Datsun Redi-GO Wheels & Tyres

Alloy wheels are missing from the line-up, the base trims get steel wheels and centre hub caps in black and silver colour options. High-end trims on the other hand feature full wheel covers. 

Datsun Redi-GO Competition

In the mini-hatchback segment, Datsun redi-GO has a strong line of rivals like the long reigning Alto that has been standing tall for over a decade now and continues to be a leader. Renault Kwid and Hyundai Eon are the other two strong players in the budget segment that pose threat to redi-Go.

Pros

Design needs a mention here, with all that metal work around the hatchback
Redi-GO is a dapper looking hatchback
Redi-GO is a reasonably good small car for first time buyers
The claimed mileage of 22.7 km/l by the 800cc petrol engine ensures low running cost, saving on the fuel expenses. 

Con

Boot space is restricted to just 222 litres
Cramped rear seat
Fit, finish and quality of material used inside the cabin is average
The hatchback misses out on touch-screen available on Kwid.