Back when Datsun was launched in Japan – in the first decades of the 20th century – its guiding principles were to make products that were durable, attractive and trustworthy. More than a century down the line, cars that carry the Datsun name are still wedded to these very principles. The new Datsun redi-Go, launched in June this year, is a case in point. The hatchback, which has carved a niche for itself ever since it hit the roads in early 2016, exemplifies the very philosophy of Datsun. When Datsun introduced the redi-Go four years ago, it had the fundamentals in place. It had the attitude of an ‘Urban Cross’, it had, at 185mm, class-leading ground clearance, it looked distinctive and had character, it had generous space inside, and two capable – 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre – petrol engines. Cut to 2020, and Datsun has worked on making a good thing even better.
Reboot, reset
The new redi-Go is the kind of car that encourages you to think of new beginnings, and that’s a thought a lot of us have had on our minds over the last few months. And if you, too, have been dwelling on that, the redi-Go is just the steed you need.
Datsun’s given the redi-Go a total overhaul and it shows in the way the car looks. The redi-Go now sports a heavily reworked front end with an enormous and eyeball-grabbing grille, new bumper, L-shaped DRLs and new headlights, all of which make the car stand apart from others in the segment when it comes to looks. The redi-Go’s confident, bold stance is accentuated by that massive honeycomb grille. The striking nature of its design is on display at the rear as well, in the form of the angular LED tail-lamps; plus, elements such as the Pentablade dual-tone wheel covers and the new bumper complete the look. Just so you know, the new design also complies with pedestrian protection norms that will come into effect later this year.
Inside the redi-Go
The first thing prospective buyers will notice once they get into the redi-Go is the premium in-cabin experience and improved fit and finish, the dual-tone and brushed gunmetal dashboard, and premium door trim fabric. It’s not just about the thoughtful and tasteful utilisation of space – the redi-Go is also equipped with best-in-class features such as the advanced 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice recognition that is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The plush interiors – including the centre console – really look slick, and there is a profusion of utility spaces – six in all – along with the large glove box.
The redi-Go affords the driver a tall seating position and, combined with the huge glass area, the general feeling is of a pleasant airiness, aided by best-in-class visibility. The driver is perched high and the front seats are very comfortable, with side bolstering keeping occupants snug. The redi-Go is among the cars in its segment that offers rear-seat occupants great space. Headroom is superb and so is knee room, which is best in class and matches up to compact-sedan levels. And the high ground clearance means you walk into the car rather than burrow your way into it. At 222 litres, boot space is pretty decent as well, plus, the backrest of the rear seat can be folded down as a single piece for a lot more luggage room. The redi-Go is also equipped with safety features – including a strong crash-resistant body structure that protects passengers from frontal offset and side impact – pedestrian protection compliace, has rear seat belts with a retractive function, dual airbags, and a rear view camera with Projection Guide for those of us who are perennially iffy about parking.
On the move
The new Datsun redi-Go comes with the option of two BS6-compliant engines – 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre – which are backed by I-SAT tech and characteristic Japanese smoothness and efficiency. Both engines get a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.0-litre motor also gets a 5-speed AMT option. Both engines are aces in the urban battleground, and hold their own on the highway as well. Power delivery is linear and smooth, and power steering responsive. The AMT option adds convenience to the picture. The redi-Go also has a very pliant ride and its fuel efficiency is impressive too. Its 0.8-litre engine is rated at 20.71kpl, the 1.0 manual at 21.7kpl, and the 1.0 AMT at 22kpl. Whichever way you look at it, if you are looking to reset your life and get back on the road and on the move, the Datsun redi-Go could just be the car you ought to have in your garage.
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