Datsun redi-GO

Datsun has given the answer to the likes of Maruti Alto and Alto K10, Renault Kwid, Hyundai Eon and Tata Nano in the form of its redi Go budget hatchback. Redi GO is retailed in the price range of Rs 2.41-3.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and has got that two engine options - 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre with respective output of 54 PS / 72 Nm and 68 PS / 91 Nm. Both these motors come fitted with 5-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels of the car. Funky and youthful styling of the redi Go is one of its key highlights and MPV-like stance of the car maximizes the cabin space inside. The 1541 mm of height also ensure that there is no dearth of the head room even for the tall passengers. The quality levels are acceptable though the fit and finished could have been better at some places.

The Datsun redi-GO's tall body, high ground clearance and an aggressive face help it confidently pull off the mini crossover look. No wonder it's the most sought after car in the Datsun lineup. The LED DRLs look tacky, but there are enough cuts and creases in the body panels to make the overall design far more appealing than what its price tag would suggest.

The 800cc variants of the redi-GO had a grey interior, which looked pretty basic. With the launch of the 1.0-litre variant, Datsun updated all trims of the redi-GO with black panels, which gives the cabin a richer vibe. Asymmetric AC vents offer a unique styling twist while a small MID behind the thick steering wheel offers lots of information. Storage spaces are abundant, but there are no bottle holders on any of the four doors. The tall dimensions liberate a lot of space inside, and there's no shortage of headroom or knee room even for tall occupants.

The redi-GO has a 799cc and a 999cc engine, both of which are available in a 3-cylinder configuration. Power output for the two motors stands at 54PS and 68PS while the torque is rated at 72Nm and 91Nm, respectively. Both the powertrains are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The smaller engine delivers 22.7kmpl, and the bigger one can run 22.5kmpl.

The Datsun redi-GO is available in five trims: D, A, T, S and Sport. There's also a T(O) trim that sits between the T and S variants. The smaller motor is available across all variants, but the bigger engine is only available in the T(O) and S options. Pricing for the 800cc variants ranges from Rs 2.41 lakh for the D trim and goes up to Rs 3.63 lakh for the Sport. The 1.0-litre variants are available at a premium of Rs 23,200 over comparable 800cc variants and priced at Rs 3.57 lakh for the T(O) and Rs 3.72 lakh for the S. There's no automatic available with the redi-GO, but it's likely to borrow the 5-speed AMT setup from the Renault Kwid.

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800: The Alto 800 challenges the 800cc trims of the redi-GO. On the design front, the Alto 800 feels dated, but its strength lies in its reliable mechanicals, extensive sales and service network, low running costs and a strong resale value. Although its USP isn't visible to the naked eye, it’s still at the top of its game.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: The Alto K10 competes with the 1.0-litre variants of the redi-GO and offers the same no-frills ownership experience that you'd associate with a Maruti, in a package that's quite a bit faster than the basic Alto 800. It has its shortcomings which swell up when parked next to the Kwid. Thankfully, it packs no unpleasant surprises, and that's its strength.

Hyundai Eon: The Eon wears Hyundai’s Fluidic design theme that's starting to show its age. Just like the Alto, it offers solid reliability and a low cost of ownership. What sets it apart from the competition is its styling, which is more than just functional. The 1.0-litre engine in the Eon has a bit more power and torque, but its heavier kerb weight keeps its performance at par with the Alto K10. Just like the redi-GO, the Eon doesn't offer an automatic transmission of any kind.

The redi-GO brings the tall boy design to the entry-level hatchback game. Despite its limited length, it offers good headroom and usable cabin space. A high seating position offers a good view of the road ahead, and the healthy ground clearance of 185mm allows you to overcome larger speed bumps without scraping the belly. The redi-GO shares its engines with the Renault Kwid, albeit without the option of an AMT. The Datsun badge seems to be the only thing holding it back.