Nissan brought the Datsun name back in 2013 to offer small, affordable cars to the masses, especially in emerging markets like India. For a country obsessed with affordability, that should have spelt instant success, but the Go and GO didn’t quite click, particularly since cost cutting in the quest for affordability was pretty obvious on both cars.
The redi-GO concept Nissan showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo looked promising, and the production version that’s set to be launched seems to have a lot going for it too. The redi-GO’s design is completely different from the Kwid, unlike Renault-Nissan’s previous offerings that were ‘badge-engineered’. The redi-GO looks nothing like the Kwid which works in its favour. In fact, it looks pretty much unlike any other car in its class. Datsun has managed to make it look as close to the concept as possible, which means the redi-GO looks a lot more modern than its rivals.Under the redi-GO’s hood is the same 800cc, three-cylinder motor from the Kwid, offering an identical 54PS and 72Nm of torque.
The clatter from the three-pot motor makes itself audible inside the cabin and a few vibrations can even be felt on the steering wheel, but that’s something you can live with as it isn’t too bothersome. Pricing is something Datsun hasn’t faltered with till date, and the redi-GO isn’t any different. The car is yet to be launched officially, but Datsun has indicated that pricing will range from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh, which makes it on par with its competitors.
