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  Business   How different is the Datsun redi-GO from the Renault Kwid

How different is the Datsun redi-GO from the Renault Kwid

: AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Jun 2, 2016, 1:50 pm IST
Updated : Jun 2, 2016, 1:50 pm IST

So let’s put them under the scanner and see exactly how they differ, seeing as how closely priced to each other they are.

datsun0.jpg
 datsun0.jpg

So let’s put them under the scanner and see exactly how they differ, seeing as how closely priced to each other they are.

Underpinned by the same platform, powered by the same 0.8-litre engine, and made by the same global alliance, the Renault Kwid and the Datsun redi-GO have a lot in common with each other. But how do they compare in real life

In case you haven’t been keeping a close tab on the international automotive scene, the name “Datsun” might not ring a bell immediately. It is Nissan’s economical sub-brand and – this one you probably know well – Nissan has an alliance with the French automaker, Renault. The three carmakers that make up this alliance are known to make badge-engineered cars, such as the Duster/Terrano, Micra/Pulse, and others.

But, this time round, the two new entry-level products from the Renault-Nissan alliance are radically different, despite sharing the same manufacturing site, mechanicals, and, more importantly, the Franco-Japanese conglomerate's CMF-A platform. And both don’t look badge-engineered at all.

So let’s put them under the scanner and see exactly how they differ, seeing as how closely priced to each other they are.

Dimensions

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Design

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This is the area where the Datsun redi-GO and the Renault Kwid are diametrically opposite to each other the most. If one has to describe both cars in a few words, the redi-GO has a tallboy design featuring an upright stance while the Renault Kwid appears wider, longer, and has a rugged feel to it. This makes the Kwid appear as if it might provide more space on the inside, but that isn’t the case and both cars have pretty much the same amount of real estate. However, where the Kwid scores is the boot space – it comes with a huge 300 litres of boot space compared to the redi-GO’s 222 litres. Three hundred litres of boot space is what you usually find in hatches two segments above!

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The redi-GO is based on Datsun’s ‘Yukan’ design language, meaning ‘bold’ in Japanese. It has more character lines than other vehicles in this entry-level segment. Being the tallest in the segment makes for easy ingress and egress, much like the discontinued Hyundai Santro and the current Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.

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Unlike the Kwid concept, the production-spec redi-GO stands true to its concept sans the LED lighting and alloys. However, you do get LED daytime running lamps placed along the front bumper though we’d have liked to it be bit brighter. The highlight of the front is the Datsun’s signature grille. At the rear, the taillamps merge with the side contour line and are rather pronounced from the body.

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The Renault Kwid, as mentioned above, is an altogether different story. It is shouting from almost every angle that it belongs to the Duster’s clan. To begin with, you get partial body cladding in the Kwid including dual-tone bumpers, whereas the redi-GO offers no body cladding. It is also wider than the redi-GO and the protruding wheel arches exaggerate things further.

Cabin and Features

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Just as the exteriors, the interiors too are very different. The Renault Kwid’s cabin looks slightly premium compared to the Datsun redi-GO. aThe biggest advantage that the Renault has is the touchscreen-based infotainment system with navigation in the top-end trims. There is also an option of a Bluetooth-enabled unit for the mid-trim. The redi-GO, on the other hand, doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity in any of its variants. Instead, it comes with a single-DIN audio system featuring auxiliary and USB inputs.

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Unlike the Datsun redi-GO, the Renault Kwid has several chrome highlights while almost the entire central console is finished in glossy black plastic. Moreover, the steering wheel also offers partial leather wrap and glossy black inserts. Speaking of the upholstery, the fabric upholstery in the Kwid is sportier in contrast to the one in the redi-GO. Moreover, a lot of body parts are exposed in the redi-GO, which is not the case with the Kwid.

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Prices

The Datsun redi-GO is set to be launched in the country in the first week of June. It is evident that the redi-GO will undercut its French cousin marginally in the price department. The Renault Kwid was launched at a price of Rs. 2.56 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) last year in September, but currently retails at Rs. 2.62 lakh in the capital.

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Source: CarDekho.com