The new kid on block Datsun redi-Go. We review it to learn if it has the mettle to take on entry hatch segment?
INTRODUCTION
Datsun, the brand for the Risers announced the third product for the Indian market redi-Go.
The redi-Go was conceived, designed and developed mainly for the Indian market and the concept car was first showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.
The company categories the new hatch as Urban Cross which offers the best of 2 worlds – compact dimensions & agility of a hatchback and confidence of a crossover to go anywhere.
The car is targeted mainly towards first time car buyers and for driving mainly in the city roads, but is very capable to do long drives too.
We were invited to Kolkata, the city of Joy to experience the new small wonder from Renault Nissan Alliance.
EXTERIORS
The redi-Go looks fresh and has a unique design as compared to other cars in its segment. According to the company, the car is designed around YUKAN design philosophy with forward styling found on a crossover, robust stance and a sporty attitude.
The car gets tall boy design and has proportionate dimensions. The front looks dominating thanks to the large D-Cut grille with honeycomb pattern and chrome around. The front bumper is attractive with lines which neatly integrate with the rest of the car. The Lime Green shade gets sliver paint at lower part of the bumper which gives it a dual tone effect while other shades have a black insert.
The elongated headlamps stretch from the grille upto the front fender and have distinct detailing which blends with the front design of the car.
A first in this segment is a small strip of Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) located at the bottom of the front bumper which we felt does not grab the attention it is designed for.
From the side, the car shows its compact dimensions and measures 3429 in length. The car is one of the tallest in its segment with 1541 mm in height. The character line gives the redi-Go some edgy styling which prevents it from look simple. The wheel wells are just right and the tyres don’t look small as seen on the GO and GO+.
The rear of the car is quite impressive with modern design tail lamps, inward scooped rear door and a rear diffuser look like design in the rear bumper. The Lime Green gets a silver coloured rear diffuser.
The Datsun badge is placed at the centre and chrome strip adds to the premium look. The chrome exhaust tip is an accessory and can be fitted at the dealer end
Overall the car looks very modern and contemporary.
INTERIORS
The interiors are not awe inspiring rather focus on the functionality. The beige and grey combination color gives the car a roomy feel. The interiors are spacious and can seat four very comfortably.
The Dashboard design is simple and is not symmetric. The centre console as a very odd design with one air vent fixed but designed in a way to allow good air flow for the co-passenger and the rear passengers. Piano black finish gives some premium touch but the basic design audio system and controls for air-con are on the down side. The little silver finish rings on the air-cons looks decent.
There is no room for a 2 DIN audio system, which means one cannot fit an aftermarket 2 DIN system which is now popular. The dashboard has many storage spaces and a closed glove box. The centre console has 2 cup holders where you comfortable keep you hot coffee glasses.
The 3 spoke steering wheel with Datsun logo offers decent grip and is very easy to manure. The instrument console is very basic with an analogue speedometer and digital tachometer (tacho reminds you of Yamaha FZ). You get the total distance, tripmeter and fuel gauge on the little screen on the instrument console.
The doors panels are plastic and have recess in the front doors exposing the sheet metal. You can debate it as a style element or cost cutting. The doors shut well and you don’t hear the metal like banging sound which is quite audible in the GO hatch. The rear doors also have a lot of sheet metal being exposed. No power windows for rear passengers.
Front and rear seats are integrated and offer adequate support. There is plenty of space for the rear passengers and not cramp like some cars in its segment.
The redi-Go has smaller boot compared to the Kwid at 222 litres which is deep. The problem is here to placing and removing the luggage can be a task.
PERFORMANCE
The redi-Go shares its platform with the Renault Kwid and is powered by the same power train. Under the hood the car gets the same engine 3 cylinder 800cc which churns out 54 Ps @ 5678 rpm max power and 72 Nm @ 4386 rpm max torque. Datsun engineers have slightly tuned the engine for better acceleration as compared to the Kwid which makes it a bit peppier.
The adaptive electric power steering is very light at low speeds and offers good stability at higher speeds. With a short turning radius of 4.73 metres turning around tight spots is very easy.
The redi-Go is quite stable at high speeds but the car does tend to roll a bit on tight corners. The engine feels strained at speeds above 100 kmph and you have to push it really hard to reach 120 kmph. The redi-Go offers good stability on straight roads and high ground clearance of 185mm helps to travel bad roads comfortably.
The suspension is tuned for city riding and the car does tend give shock waves when driving on fast over pot holes and speed breakers. Braking is one of the big drawback we noticed as car did not offer confidence after breaking hard.
SAFETY
On the safety end the Datsun redi-Go comes with Reinforced Crash Protection Shell which meets the current crash test norms. The top variant comes with driver Air bag only and energy absorbing steering. There is no air bag option on the lower trims.
VERDICT
At a starting point of Rs. 2.38 lakhs the Datsun redi-Go makes one of the best choices in the entry hatch segment. For those who want a modern looking car and have a tight budget this car is one of the best choices.
The redi-Go offers smart design on the outside and functional interiors, but does lack a bit of equipment which can be added as accessories.
COMPETITION BASKET
The Datsun redi-Go will lock horns with Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and Renault Kwid.
Datsun redi-Go image gallery
