Japanese car major Nissan’s low-cost brand Datsun has already tried to crack the immense small car market of India with two existing products. The debut model, Datsun GO hatchback created some good buzz as a great new competitor of India’s top selling car Maruti Suzuki Alto, but the buzz soon fizzled out. Then came the hatch-based GO+ compact MPV which also couldn’t make a proper mark in the country. Datsun, however, is going to keep trying its luck in this highly profitable small car market and its latest effort will soon come in the form of the Datsun redi-GO.
The new Datsun redi-GO is already unveiled in India, its pre-launch bookings are open, and the car is has launched today starting at Rs 2.38 lakhs. Datsun is hoping that its new redi-GO will make the big difference it has been hoping for. For those who are yet unaware, the redi-GO shares a lot with the super successful Renault Kwid. Both the cars are based on the same CMF-A platform that is a result of the Nissan-Renault collaboration, and both cars have localization rate of 98 percent, which makes them very affordable.
The Datsun redi-GO is an entry-level hatchback model and is definitely targeted at the first-time car buyers of India. While the car looks promising, will it offer a great value? Can the redi-GO be even better than the Kwid, which is one of the highest selling cars in the country? Here, we will find out the answers to these questions for the prospective buyers of the Datsun redi-GO.
Design
Unlike the Renault Kwid, the Datsun redi-GO looks like a hatchback model and not an SUV. While most of the car makers grab eyeballs with astonishing concept models and then present very mild versions of them in the actual production model. But the redi-GO looks very close to its concept model which was showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. It has a very distinct look that is very different than anything in its own segment. The key aspect of the Datsun redi-GO’s styling is its tall boy design which is its highlight and makes it look bigger than it is, while it does offer a roomy cabin.
The redi-GO measures 3429 mm long, 1560 mm wide and 1541 mm tall and it rides on a wheelbase measuring 2430 mm. Thus, it has little lesser length and width than the Kwid, but is more than 60 mm taller and also has 8 mm larger wheelbase. These dimensions make the Datsun redi-GO an ideal city car which can be easily maneuvered in the traffic stricken and narrow roads and also easy to park in tight spots.
Its styling appeal comes from its stylish sweptback headlights, Datsun’s patent front grille and a burly bonnet. The top-of-the-line model also flaunts LED DRLs on the front bumper, although pretty dull. The car’s side profile flaunts bold character lines and flared wheel arches which add to the sporty looks of this small hatch. The rear design gets high positioned prominent taillights. The car also offers optional matt silver skid plates and several customization options such as a spoiler, roof rails, door visors, wheel trims. However, no alloy wheels are on offer.
Interiors, Features & Quality
The Datsun redi-GO offers great space and easy access with its tall structure and a roomy feel to add to it. The seats are well supported but come with fixed headrests. The steering wheel looks sporty and well contoured for a great comfortable grip, while visibility in the car is also good with generous glass area. It has an overall stylish cabin with interesting dashboard design.
The redi-GO offers a single DIN entertainment system but doesn’t offer a touchscreen or Bluetooth connectivity like the Kwid. Nevertheless, there’s a USB port and AUX connectivity.
The Datsun redi-GO is a highly aggressively priced model, but the cost cutting procedure is also evident in the cheap plastic quality and a lot of exposed body parts which don’t make it look good quality on the inside. It offers a boot space of 222 liters which is lesser than the Kwid’s 300 liters’ cargo space. However, the redi-GO does offer better space and comfort at the rear.
Powertrain & Performance
The Datsun redi-GO comes powered by the Renault Kwid’s compact 799cc, 3-pot petrol mill that is mated to the same 5 speed manual transmission. The engine generates 54 PS of peak power at 5678 rpm and 72 Nm of top torque at 4386 rpm. The engine is designed to offer good fuel economy and city friendly drive rather than great performance. The car comes with a claimed mileage 25.17kmpl.
As can be expected, the redi-GO’s small engine does not offer an exciting drive, but it offers easy driving experience with light gear shifts and clutch, making it great for the first-time car buyers.
The car also comes with good 185 mm ground clearance to handle the bumpy Indian roads, while offering easy maneuverability. The car is great in the city roads, while being meek in the highways.
Safety Features
The Datsun redi-GO being a low-cost entry-level hatchback has compromised on the safety measures as well, which is not acceptable at the present time when there’s so much buzz around safety in cars. The hatch does not offer ABS in the entire lineup even as an option, while the top-end model offers a driver’s side airbag.
Price & Verdict
The primary draw point of the Datsun redi-GO is its highly affordable price starting range of Rs. 2.38 lakhs. At this price, people can’t seriously expect much, but the car does offer pretty good overall value.
The Datsun redi-GO is a good, sporty looking hatchback model with a tallboy design and good ground clearance. It offers good space, great fuel efficiency, great handling and easy drivability as well. On the downside, it offers basic features, poor safety measures and odd interior styling.
In short, the Datsun redi-GO is the perfect affordable car for the first-time car buyers and an ideal everyday city car.
Auto Worldz 