Auto Expo 2014: Datsun compact SUV Redi-GO preview

  • Feb 6, 2014
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Datun will launch a compact SUV in 2015 based on Redi-Go. Here are the details

Datsun Redi-Go Concept front

Datsun, Nissan's budget brand, wants to cater to the emerging Indian. It has already showcased the Go hatchback and the Go+ mini MPV to cater to this segment. But, it believes a gap still remains to be plugged. And, no, it's not the compact sedan space Datsun is looking at. Yes, the compact sedan segment has been growing, and it does hold a lot of potential - why else would we have seen multiple unveils for this category this Expo, namely the Tata Zest, Ford Figo Concept and the Hyundai Xcent? 

But, the success of this segment depends heavily on the excise duty benefit for small cars continuing for years to come. Now, a compact SUV (read under 4-metres) too relies on this excise duty holiday, but because it is an SUV - and SUVs as we all know is and will remain in great demand for years to come - literally halves the risk.

Datsun Redi-Go Concept side profile

Datsun then has decided to half the risk and it will do it with a compact SUV based on the Redi-Go concept. The details on the compact SUV for the moment are sketchy. But, we can reveal a few things. To begin with the Redi-GO is based on the same platform as the Go and Go+ and like them, the Redi-Go will be under 4-metres as well. But, as is clear from the pictures of the Redi-Go, it will have a higher ground clearance. 

It will have similar interiors, similar buttons and knobs, and similar seats to the Go hatchback. Chances are the Redi-Go will not come with a 5+2 seating option like the Go+. Even though these last two seats are impractical for fully grown adults, seven seats are always a high selling point. And we say this because surprisingly, the Redi-GO sits on the smaller wheelbase compared to both the hatch and the mini MPV; compared to the latter two's 2450mm, the Redi-Go's wheelbase is 100mm less at 2350mm.

As far as engines go, the Redi-Go will come with the same petrol engine and manual gearbox as the Go hatchback and Go+ mini MPV. The engine is a 1.2-litre petrol mated to a 5-speed gearbox. There will be no diesel to begin with however. Datsun says, the priority here is to keep the vehicle affordable to go along with the Access bit in its Dream Access Trust (DAT) philosophy. And a diesel, currently, doesn't allow this.

Datsun Redi-Go concept Rear

Now with three models Datsun believes it has the range to cover almost all the needs of a first time buyer. It says - the Go hatchbcak is for those looking for a conventional car for a nuclear family. And, the hatchback it self offers more than its competition like the Hyundai Eon and the Maruti Suzuki Alto. There's more interior room, a bigger boot and because of relatively higher seating and large glass area, the visibility - a big contribution in making a car easy to drive - is good too. The Go+ mini MPV meanwhile will make sense for those with an extended family but again, the price point for the Go+ will remain around the Rs 4 lakh mark, so it will still be affordable for first time buyers.

And now with the Redi-Go, Datsun has a product to cater to the youth. According to Datsun, it doesn't expect too many families to buy the Redi-Go; instead it will be for the those upcoming young executives who enjoy an active lifestyle. The Redi-Go will be for those who like to go out with friends in the evenings or simply head-out over the weekend. The Redi-Go, meanwhile, is expected to make its debut in 2015.

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