2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 rolled out

The 2017 Datsun eedi-GO with 1.0-litre engine has been launched in India with prices starting from Rs 3.57 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Nissan subsidiary had launched the redi-GO with a 799cc engine in June 2016 at an introductory price of Rs. 2.39 lakhs. Despite averaging only around 2000 units a month, the Datsun redi-GO can be termed as well accepted in the market since Datsun is a relatively new brand.

The Datsun redi-GO is available in a choice of 5 exterior shades – Silver, Lime, White, Ruby and Grey. First of all, since this update is mainly mechanical in nature, the 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 continues to offer the same styling and features as its 0.8-litre counterpart. With an attempt to target the Maruti Alto K10 and Hyundai Eon 1.0-litre and to make its product more relevant, Datsun has updated the redi-GO by utilising the Nissan-Renault alliance. Furthermore, Datsun provides a 5-year warranty coverage on the redi-GO, which is valid for unlimited kms.

At the time of launch, the redi-GO was offered in 5 variants – D, A, T, T Option and S – and a special edition Sport variant came in later. The 1.0 engine option is available in 2 variants – T (O) and the top-of-the-line S variant. In addition to driver side airbag, it offers DRLs, music system and power steering as well. The 1.0-litre version gets additional features like black interiors, remote keyless entry, central locking and silver finish on the AC vents and horn pad.

Datsun missed the opportunity to launch the 1.0-litre version with an AMT gearbox which would have made the redi-GO a much more desirable package. At Rs. 3,57,333/- for the T (O) variant and Rs. 3,72,238/- (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the S variant, it is not a bad deal either. Yet, an automatic gearbox would have been icing on the cake.

The Datsun redi-GO shares its CMF-A platform, engine and transmission with the Renault Kwid. The twin-cam SCe engine develops 67 BHP of power and 91 NM of torque while the figures stand at 53 BHP and 72 NM respectively for the 0.8-litre engine. Needless to say, the bigger engine has resulted in improved drivability along with sufficient pep for the highways also.

The erstwhile 5-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission option. The AMT unit, supplied by FEV and Bosch, is available on the Renault Kwid. Over the past few years, India has seen a paradigm shift to automatic transmission cars with the introduction of AMT in small cars. Sadly even after a year since the Renault Kwid AMT was launched, Datsun still is aloof from launching it.