Datsun has announced that its all-new hatchback will be called Redigo. This new hatchback will be very different in character and personality to the Renault Kwid with which it shares the same CMF-A platform.
‘We have a very good car which is very different and very urban-centric and in my eyes its got a lot stunning points like a modern fresh face and I believe that we have a very unique offering that hopefully, the Indian customer will appreciate.” says Trevor Mann Chief performance officer, Nissan, speaking exclusively to Autocar India.
Unlike the Kwid, which has strong SUV styling cues and a distinct ‘two-box’ design the Datsun Redigo will have a taller stance using vertical space to free up more interior room and will look similar to the concept car.“The ingress and egress is very easy, it’s a tall car and because of that, the hip-point on the seat is also high. The ground clearance (expected to be around 200mm) is also very good and it's got very good all-round visibility, it's also more roomy. “ confirms Mann.
Powering the Redigo will be the same 800cc powertrain mated to a five-speed gearbox. However, the 1-litre engine and AMT option that was seen on the Kwid at the Auto Expo will come much later on the Datsun. According to sources, the Redigo is unlikely to be as well equipped as the Kwid and a crucial omission at launch is the large touch screen which is a big hit in the Kwid.
In fact, equipment levels in the Redigo are believed to be not as generous as in the Kwid because Datsun had originally planned to position the the Redigo below the Kwid and price it approximately Rs. 30,000 lower. However, in a surprise move, Renault usurped the Redigo’s position with a rock bottom entry price of Rs. 2.57 lakh at launch, which took the entire industry aback including partner (and rival!) Nissan. “We had not expected Renault to price the Kwid so low” said a Nissan source on condition of anonymity.
The Datsun Redigo will be globally unveiled in New Delhi on April 14th but the market introduction will be in end-May. Price will be a key factor and a figure of around Rs. 2.6 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Redigo is likely.
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