The Datsun Go from 2014 is the first model released by Nissan under Datsun after the brand was discontinued in 1986. The Datsun redi-GO, however, is a groovier affair, one that prides itself with a best-in-class ground clearance of 7.3 inches (185 mm).
Underpinned by the same CMF-A platform used by the Renault Kwid, the teeny-tiny crossover from Datsun is expected to mirror or undercut the pricing of the Kwid. In other words, $3,940 or less for the most spartan of trim levels. On the design front, there’s little in the way of changes between the production model and the redi-GO concept presented at Auto Expo in 2014. The hexagonal grille and large angular headlamps with LED DRLs on the bumper are the highlights. The proportions of the redi-GO are alright too, I guess.
The interior design isn’t great, to be honest, but that’s wishful thinking from a city car as cheap as the 2016 Datsun redi-GO. We should look forward to best-in-class visibility and best-in-class knee room, though. The driver-focused dashboard design isn’t too bad, albeit I’m not won over by the tall gear lever and the rather minimalist instrument cluster. It’s worth appreciating that Datsun didn’t copy Renault, but made its own unique product.
Under the hood, you’ll find a peppy 0.8-liter three-cylinder engine conjoined with a five-speed transmission. Output and fuel economy aren’t available at the time of writing, but Datsun promises best-in-class mileage. The Renault Kwid is the most frugal petrol car in India, returning up to 59 miles per gallon (3.97 l/100 km) from its 53 HP engine.
Other than the Kwid, the Datsun redi-GO will compete against the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon. "In a sea of look-a-like hatchbacks, the Datsun redi-GO’s modern and distinctive looks help it stand out from the crowd. Its design reflects the sense of individuality of the people who’ll buy the car: confident go-getters who know where they want to be in life," declared Vincent Cobee, head honcho of Datsun.
Pre-orders for the 2016 Datsun redi-GO will be accepted from May 1 and deliveries are slated for June 1.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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