Datsun Redigo

The Redigo is Datsun’s take on the budget hatchback. It shares its basic mechanicals with the Renault Kwid but is completely different in look both on the outside and the inside. The Redigo is available with two petrol engine options – a 0.8-litre and a 1.0-litre – with the latter available with the option of an AMT auto. While a heavily updated Redigo is in the works, Datsun has made ABS standard across the range.

The Redigo is Datsun’s take on the budget hatchback. It shares its basic mechanicals with the Renault Kwid but is com...

The Redigo is Datsun’s take on the budget hatchback. It shares its basic mechanicals with the Renault Kwid but is completely different in look both on the outside and the inside. The Redigo is available with two petrol engine options – a 0.8-litre and a 1.0-litre – with the latter available with the option of an AMT auto. While a heavily updated Redigo is in the works, Datsun has made ABS standard across the range.

The Datsun Redigo stands out for its funky design and ‘tall boy’ proportions. You also sit higher than you would in other budget hatchbacks and the visibility is a boon. Cabin room is also good for this class of car and the dashboard is neat, but there are far too many low cost bits in clear sight too.
The Redigo’s smaller 54hp, 799cc petrol engine feels crude and underpowered. The larger 68hp, 1.0-litre engine is far livelier but isn’t particularly quiet. Gearshifts on the AMT auto are smooth in average driving scenarios but drive in a hurried manner and you’ll get the head nod this type of transmission is notorious for.
The Redigo is easy to drive in town but feels nervous on the highway. Also, the ride is jiggly though the 185mm of ground clearance does come handy.

The Datsun Redigo stands out for its funky design and ‘tall boy’ proportions. You also sit higher than you would in o...

The Datsun Redigo stands out for its funky design and ‘tall boy’ proportions. You also sit higher than you would in other budget hatchbacks and the visibility is a boon. Cabin room is also good for this class of car and the dashboard is neat, but there are far too many low cost bits in clear sight too.
The Redigo’s smaller 54hp, 799cc petrol engine feels crude and underpowered. The larger 68hp, 1.0-litre engine is far livelier but isn’t particularly quiet. Gearshifts on the AMT auto are smooth in average driving scenarios but drive in a hurried manner and you’ll get the head nod this type of transmission is notorious for.
The Redigo is easy to drive in town but feels nervous on the highway. Also, the ride is jiggly though the 185mm of ground clearance does come handy.

Of the three engine-gearbox combinations on offer, we’d recommend the 1.0-litre AMT. Its increased power output makes the car that much more drivable and the automatic transmission further adds convenience to the package. The top-spec S trim is the one to buy, being the only one to come with a driver airbag. Sadly, a passenger airbag is not offered even as an option, though 2019's safety update makes ABS and EBD standard across the range.

Of the three engine-gearbox combinations on offer, we’d recommend the 1.0-litre AMT. Its increased power output makes...

Of the three engine-gearbox combinations on offer, we’d recommend the 1.0-litre AMT. Its increased power output makes the car that much more drivable and the automatic transmission further adds convenience to the package. The top-spec S trim is the one to buy, being the only one to come with a driver airbag. Sadly, a passenger airbag is not offered even as an option, though 2019's safety update makes ABS and EBD standard across the range.