Datsun Redigo: 5 things to know

We’ve driven the Redigo and reviewed it for you. What's pending now is the car’s official launch, which is slated for June 7, 2016. Here are five titbits to up your knowledge about the Redigo before it actually hits showrooms:

1. Built on the same platform as the Renault Kwid
The Datsun Redigo is built on the same CMF-A platform as the Renault Kwid and shares  most of its mechanicals with it. It is powered by the Kwid's 800cc engine mated to the same five-speed manual gearbox, and sits on a similar suspension setup too. The engine and the suspension, however, have been tweaked for the Redigo. The baby Datsun features radically different styling too.

2. The Redigo is urban-centric
According to Trevor Mann, the chief performance officer for Nissan, the Redigo is “very different” and “very urban-centric”. Unlike the SUV styling of the Kwid, the Redigo features a more fluid design, replete with a tall cabin, urban-suited ground clearance and great all-round visibility. The kinked glasshouse, flowing silhouette and swept-back headlights are all very chic, we must say.

3. To get the 1.0-litre engine and AMT gearbox some time later
While the Kwid is slated to receive a 1.0-litre engine and an AMT gearbox soon, the same will be offered in the Datsun at a much later stage.

4. Equipment levels are lower than in the Kwid
In a bid to offer rock-bottom pricing starting at Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Redigo is not as well-equipped as the Kwid. A major omission is the large touchscreen, which is quite popular in the Kwid.

5. Competition check
The Redigo will launch in June and go head to head with the new superstar, the Renault Kwid; India’s bestselling car, the recently facelifted Alto 800; Tata’s Nano GenX and the Hyundai Eon.