Datsun redi-GO: To buy or not to buy

The redi-GO shares a lot of its DNA with the Renault Kwid.

After suffering a rather unwelcoming response from the Indian diaspora with its previous two offerings – GO hatchback and GO+ compact MPV, Datsun is aspiring to be third-time lucky with the redi-GO small car.

By now, you know that the redi-GO shares a lot of its DNA with the Renault Kwid. Both cars are based on Renault-Nissan’s CMF-A platform and, like the Kwid, 98 per cent of the redi-GO’s parts have been locally sourced.

The Kwid is now one of India’s highest selling cars, and that gets us questioning whether the redi-GO can match up to the standards set by the former, or even surpass them Let’s find out!

Looks

The redi-GO stands tall like a hatchback and doesn’t squat like the Renault Kwid’s SUV stance

The Datsun also looks very similar to the concept car that was presented at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo

It is a quirky design and looks different when compared to the other budget hatchbacks available in the market.

The redi-GO measures 3429mm in length, 1560mm in width, 1541mm in height and has a 2430mm wheelbase. This means it is smaller than the Kwid in length and width, but is over 60mm taller, and the wheelbase is 8mm larger too.

The hatchback has the ideal dimensions for a city car which will make it easy to manoeuvre in choked urban conditions and easy to park as well. Highlights include swept-back headlamps and a narrow front with Datsun’s signature grille and a muscular bonnet. The top-end variant also gets optional daytime running lights on the front bumper, though they look quite dull. The side profile sports a deeply chiselled line running across, with flared wheel arches adding some muscle.

The taillights are positioned further from the ground to be visible from other vehicles. The matte silver skid plates (added extra) along with various other customization options like a spoiler, door visors, roof rails, wheel trims are all offered with the redi-GO. Surprisingly though, alloy wheels elude the car.

Interior Space, Features and Quality

Along with being taller than the Kwid, the redi-GO is more spacious than the Maruti Suzuki Alto as well. The front seats come with support on the sides, but the fixed headrests are a cost saving measure. You sit tall, and the seats aren’t adjustable.

The steering wheel has a nice and sporty shape and the contours offer natural grip. The glass area is generous and you get great overall visibility too.

The dashboard is really interesting and slightly offset. You get a single-DIN entertainment system, but unlike the top models on the Kwid, it does not feature a touchscreen. You do get a USB port while there’s no Bluetooth connectivity.

The major impact of cost cutting can be witnessed in the form of the basic plastic quality, high amounts of exposed sheet metal, and the absence of a central locking system.

The boot space is 222 litres, which is less than the Kwid (300 litres), but the trade-off is better rear seat space. Elsewhere, the glove box is very small and would be best used for the vehicle’s documents. The dashboard does have open, carved out cubbyholes, though anything kept here will be tossed around on the move.

Performance, Ride and Handling

The redi-GO gets the same 799cc, three-cylinder petrol engine as the Kwid, along with the same 5-speed manual gearbox. It makes 54PS of power at 5678rpm and 72Nm of torque at 4386rpm. As expected, this engine has been designed to offer good fuel-efficiency and adequate city usability, rather than outright performance.

The claimed fuel economy figure is 25.17 kmpl and, while the redi-GO may not be fast or exciting, it is an easy car to drive. Gear shifts are light and so is the clutch, making it ideal for the first-time buyer who is moving up from a motorcycle or a scooter.

Ground clearance stands at 185mm and the ride quality is pretty good on varying terrains. The steering needs more weight and feel at higher speeds and while the engine is at home at low to medium speeds, highway overtakes will need planning.

In terms of safety you do get a driver-side airbag on the top-of-the-line-variant. ABS, as expected, is absent. We hope to see more safety tech being offered with the redi-GO at least as an optional extra.

Should I buy one

For the first-time buyer, who is thinking of upgrading to a car from a scooter or motorbike, the Datsun redi-GO offers a lot of value. Expected to be priced between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3.5 lakh, the car offers unique exteriors and an efficient engine at the expense of a better entertainment system.

Even if you're looking for a second car in your garage, the redi-GO makes for a sweet city-runabout. It is THE car to take the scratches, bruises and abuse of our choked urban roads, and will save your primary vehicle for the special occasions and weekend getaways.

Can it be Dasun’s saving grace in India Well, that’s for you to decide.

Source: CarDekho.com