Datsun redi-GO 1.0 Review
Car Tested: Datsun redi-GO 1.0; Road Test No. 841; Test Location: Goa
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 4.32 lakhs
The Datsun redi-GO gets some additional punch with the larger 1.0-litre engine
The worlds largest small car market has seen a lot of products from automotive manufacturers to catch the fancy of first time car buyers. While Maruti has ruled the segment since the beginning of time, others like Hyundai, Renault and Datsun too have tried to eat a slice of this big pie. The first time car buyer is not very demanding and expects good fuel fuel economy and low cost of maintenance. Therefore each and every product in this segment has been launched with an 800cc engine. Over time, manufacturers have realised that there are a few customers who like to have a little more power on tap and have launched a more powerful version later. Same is the case with the Datsun redi-GO which was launched last year in the 800cc guise. The redi-GO is a very important car for Datsun as it brings nearly 50% volume for the entire Nissan group in India. They have now upgraded it with a 1.0-litre engine and we are in Goa to find out how much difference the additional 200cc will make.
Motor Quest: The Datsun redi-GO shares its underpinnings with the Renault Kwid and even the engines are the same. While Renault updated the Kwid with the 1.0-litre engine almost a year back, Nissan has done it now. The small hatchback is also going to ge the same AMT gearbox sometime later.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35074354584/[/flickr]
The redi-GO 1.0 gets hardly any changes to the exteriors
Exteriors – The design of the Datsun redi-GO is unchanged and almost everything is the same as the regular 800cc car. It is the same sporty design with some crossover elements such as high ground clearance and flared wheel arches. The only change in this car is 1.0-litre badging at the rear and a black lip on the bumpers. Overall, the styling of the car is good and it looks pleasant and well-shaped.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35914093135/[/flickr]
The interiors now come with an all-black layout
Interiors – Again, no major changes have been made to the styling of the dashboard and the overall layout of the insides. Visible changes in this car include black interiors with new black and red upholstery. Minor changes include silver finish on the AC knobs and on the steering. Datsun is also offering a remote key with central locking with this variant. Key highlights of the interiors of the redi-GO are best-in-segment interior space due to a cab forward design, high seating position and abundant knee and headroom. The exposed metal bits are still a sore point in what is a pretty neat cabin. On the safety front, you get a standard driver-side airbag on the S variant only.
