Datsun redi-GO Review – A Car well done for City rides

Datsun redi-GO Review – A Car well done for City rides

Introduction

Datsun’s hot selling hatchback redi-GO is what we are reviewing today. The Japanese car manufacturer, Nissan’s very own Datsun brand has churned out a car which is specially optimised for we, the Indians. Datsun has hit the right chord to make redi-GO an affordable, loveable, feature rich compact car. With a price tag less than that of popular Maruti Alto 800, Datsun has tried its best to level-up in the features, comfort, convenience, performance and practicality.

We got a chance to review the redi-GO hatchback. Surya Nissan, a dealership based out of Maratahalli, Bengaluru handed over the green redi-GO hatchback for us to test drive the car. What follows is the review of redi-GO.

First Impressions

Having reviewed the GO+, the redi-GO is the second car which we are reviewing from Datsun’s portfolio. The exterior side profile of redi-GO is entirely new and unique and it is quite surprising to see the amount of design details on the body of an entry level car. The green lime colored redi-GO grabbed the attention of onlookers as we drove through the tiny streets of Bengaluru. (Check all the colors of Redi-GO).

The car is tall and has got high stance.

Engine and Performance

Datsun redi-GO is powered by 800cc petrol engine which powers the Renault Kwid. redi-GO’s 800cc engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The 800cc petrol engine of redi-GO is good enough to churn out a maximum power of 47bhp at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 69Nm at 3500rpm. While these specifications are on paper, we tried to experience the same on actual roads and the car performed more than what we expected. The little 800cc engine helped us achieve a good acceleration in lower gears and gave the car a good initial pickup.

For those who are trying redi-GO for the first time, be informed that the gear shifting pattern for reverse gear is different and requires a bit of learning if you are used to standard gearboxes in Maruti’s or Hyundai’s.

Handling and Safety

What we drove was the top “S” trim of Datsun redi-go that comes with all the sophosticated features which is absent in the base model ‘D’. For your information, the car comes in 5 variants – ‘D’ ‘A’ ‘T’ , ‘T(O)’and ‘S’. When it comes to safety, Datsun is offering safety airbag for the driver seat to provide emergency protection for a possible hazardous crash.

The turning radius of redi-GO is small, the sturdy steering helps you make those quick sharp turns in narrow roads.  While the car’s acceleration pedal is smooth and helps you move forward quickly, the braking feedback could have been better, and we had to press the braking pedal a bit hard to stop the car during our commute.

Build and Design

We already mentioned about the exterior design details which Datsun has added to redi-GO in our initial impressions.  The build quality of redi-GO is fair enough for an entry level hatchback. The redi-GO gets a stylish headlamps, chrome accent frame and body colored bumpers in the front. The day time running lamps further increases the aesthetics of this car.

With the ground clearance of 185mm, the car has got a very tall stance therefore the name “Tall boy“.  Thanks to redi-GO’s high ground clearance, we didn’t have to bother much about the speed breakers nicking the car floor.

Interiors

It gives you a good comfort feel as you enter the car, the colors used are pleasant white and the center cluster gets a piano black finish. There is plenty of space available for storage in front, well designed passenger side storage tray, cup holder near the gearbox area and more.

The rear seats are good enough to comfortably seat 2 adults and a kid. Although, the 222 litre bootspace in the offering is small, it can easily hold 2 shopping bags, if you are planning to go for shopping with this car, you would not be disappointed for sure.

You might need a second or two to spot that hook to fasten your seat belts and we have to admit there was a bit of engine noise when driving in lower gears. Otherwise, we liked the interiors of the car, the colors used, seating comfort, seat adjustment options, charging points were all good.

The top trim ‘T’ variant of redi-GO gets air-conditioning system, Music player with CD/AM/FM/AUX/MP3 and Radio.

Fuel Economy

Datsun claims mileage figure of 25.17 Kmpl (under standard testing conditions) – on actual city roads the redi-GO gave us a mileage of around 17 Kmpl. Although, we didn’t measure its mileage figures when driven on highways, you can expect around 20 to 21 Kmpl of mileage for sure. The fuel tank capacity of 28 litres can hold sufficient fuel, and you can easily travel around 250 to 300 Kms with full tank petrol.

This is sufficient and a good value for money for any average indian who loves to save money flowing through their pockets.

Verdict

redi-GO is unanimously a great package for first time car buyers and is almost close in grabbing the “best budget car” title. Looks, stand out design, pricing are few of the turn-ons. Datsun, being a new brand in India has tried its best and has gotten right this time in learning the preferences of an average person in this geography and has delivered the car accordingly.

The car is very afforadable with ex-showroom Bangalore price of INR 2.46 Lakhs for the base model ‘D’ of redi-GO, and INR 3.43 Lakhs for the top ‘S’ trim. Once again, we think redi-GO is a no nonsense, a-well-made city car and has justified to fit among the list of other entry level hatchbacks in this segment.

What do you think about our review on Datsun redi-GO?  Share with us by commenting below.

Also check: Datsun redi-GO Variants .