Renault Kwid's stupendous success has proved that customers at the budget end of the market are willing to look beyond Maruti-Suzuki when its time to part with their hard-earned money. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Nissan's low-cost subsidiary Datsun unveiled its budget car 'redi-Go' on Indian soil earlier this year.
First shown in concept form at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi, the redi-Go attracted show-goers with its funky styling and tallboy stance. In what was a pleasant surprise, the production model unveiled this April retained most of the concept's styling elements and proportions. The results are quite impressive with the redi-Go's smart and distinct lines standing out from the mundane A-segment crowd. Datsun's trademark hexagonal grille and the segment-first LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) gives the redi-Go an almost premium touch up front. Strong character lines and flared wheel arches look distinct and so does the pinched rear with the contoured tailgate. The next-generation Alto sure has its work cut out if it has to stand a chance against cars like this.
Unlike the exteriors that look like they belong to a car from a higher segment, the interiors of the redi-Go is strictly bare-bones. Make no mistake though, the redi-Go's cabin looks noticeably better than Datsun's earlier offerings even at first glance. While the base variants are understandably spartan, the top-end variant gets features like a driver airbag, power steering, front power windows and a music system with CD/USB/Aux inputs. If you are looking for more, Datsun has lined up more than 50 accessories to customize your redi-Go. Thanks to its tall stance, space inside the cabin should be adequate for four passengers with a fifth adult being a tight fit.
Based on the CMF-A platform developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance, the redi-Go shares its mechanicals with the popular Renault Kwid. As such, the same 799 cc in-line 3-cylinder petrol mill that powers the popular Renault does duty in the redi-Go too. Generating 53 horsepower and 72 Nm of torque, the specifications are similar too. Being lighter than the Kwid, expect the redi-Go to be peppier than the Kwid on the go.
Still searching for that elusive first hit, Datsun has nailed the redi-Go's pricing. The base variant starts at INR 2.39 Lakhs with the top-end variant stretching to INR 3.34 Lakhs. Both prices are ex-showroom Delhi. Those are extremely competitive prices making the redi-Go more affordable than a Renault Kwid or a Maruti-Suzuki Alto. Datsun also claims a 32% lower maintenance cost for the redi-Go compared to the Alto.
After a lackluster show with their earlier models, the Go and Go+, Datsun will be hoping the redi-Go helps establish them as a credible alternative to Maruti-Suzuki in the entry-level segment. It has the potential for sure but we will have to wait and watch if Datsun gets third time lucky in India.
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