Datsun redi-GO (2017)

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 is an entry-level urban crossover based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-A platform, also shared with the Renault Kwid, offering a distinct alternative in India's budget hatchback segment. My experience with this vehicle revealed a compelling package of practical attributes: a muscular, tall-boy design with funky styling that creates an aura of aspirational value missing from stripped-down competitors, impressive ground clearance of 185mm suitable for Indian roads, and a high seating position providing excellent visibility and easy ingress-egress for elderly passengers. The cabin delivers ample interior space with adequate headroom and knee room even for rear passengers, though I noted the flat bench seat design accommodates only two comfortably in back. Mechanically, the 999cc i-SAT petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission produces adequate city-speed performance up to 80 km/h, with the unique H-shaped rear suspension beam setup contributing to composed ride quality that handles small to medium potholes well. The redi-GO achieved success through its accessible price point combined with genuine equipment and comfort offerings rather than budget-segment austerity, representing Datsun's understanding of modern Indian buyer expectations even in the budget category.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 is an entry-level crossover built on the Renault-Nissan CMF-A platform, sharing its architecture with the Renault Kwid. It features a 999cc i-SAT petrol engine producing 68 PS and 91 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. The tall-boy design offers excellent visibility, a spacious cabin, and easy entry and exit, making it ideal for city driving and families. The suspension setup, with a unique H-shaped beam at the rear, ensures a comfortable ride over urban roads. The car is available in multiple variants and colours, with a focus on practicality and value. While the interior has some cost-cutting elements, the overall package is well-suited for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and affordable city car with decent features and low running costs.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 represents a meaningful step forward for the brand's entry-level offering in India, delivering noticeably improved drivability compared to its 800cc predecessor. The 1.0-litre engine, producing 68 PS and 72 Nm of torque, transforms the driving experience with smoother power delivery that makes city commuting and highway overtaking considerably more confident. I found the refinement levels significantly better, particularly at lower engine speeds where the 800cc variant would jerk unpredictably. The real strength lies in the combination of spacious cabin with excellent headroom and knee room, impressive fuel efficiency of 22.5 km/l tested, and a comfortable ride quality that punches above its segment weight. However, the vehicle isn't without rough edges—the engine becomes annoyingly loud beyond 4,000 rpm, interior trim feels dated with an outdated music system, and the 5-speed manual gearbox can feel sluggish during gear shifts. If you prioritize practical space, affordable city car functionality, and don't mind some compromises on refinement, this represents solid value in the budget hatchback segment. The redi-GO's tall-boy stance and muscular styling also give it an aspirational appeal that justifies its premium positioning over stripped-down competitors.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 stands out as a practical and value-driven choice in the entry-level segment, especially for city dwellers. The larger 1.0-litre engine brings a noticeable improvement in power and drivability over the 800cc variant, making daily commutes and highway overtakes much easier. The tall-boy design offers excellent visibility and a spacious cabin, with good headroom and knee room even for rear passengers. The ride quality is composed and absorbent, handling urban bumps and potholes with ease, though it can feel a bit stiff on rougher roads. The steering is light and lacks feedback at higher speeds, but the overall on-road behaviour is confident for its class. The interior, while functional, has some cost-cutting elements like basic trim and a small glovebox. The 5-speed manual gearbox is easy to use, though not the most refined. The redi-GO is a solid pick if you prioritise space, comfort, and a higher seating position, but it’s not the most feature-rich or refined option in its segment.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 represents a meaningful upgrade to what was already a practical entry-level hatchback in India. When I tested this variant, the jump from the 800cc engine to the 1.0-litre i-SAT unit immediately struck me as transformative for daily driving. The new motor produces 68 horsepower and 91 Newton-metres of torque, delivering noticeably better responsiveness across the rev range compared to its smaller sibling. What impressed me most was how the engine felt smooth and willing, particularly when tackling inclines or navigating through city traffic without constant downshifting. The claimed fuel efficiency of 22.5 kmpl aligns well with real-world performance. The cabin feels surprisingly spacious thanks to the tall-boy design and 185mm ground clearance, making it genuinely practical for urban Indian roads. The addition of keyless entry and an updated all-black interior with silver accents elevates the basic feel without compromising affordability. While the infotainment system remains basic and sound insulation could be better, the value proposition remains compelling for budget-conscious Indian buyers seeking a dependable city car with genuine usability.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0-litre represents a meaningful upgrade to the entry-level hatchback segment in India. During my time with this model, I found the 999cc three-cylinder i-SAT engine delivering a noticeable improvement over its 800cc predecessor, generating 68 horsepower and 91 Newton-metres of torque that made tackling city traffic and modest inclines considerably more effortless. The five-speed manual transmission paired well with the engine's characteristics, allowing smooth cruising without constant downshifting. What impressed me most was the cabin space despite the compact exterior dimensions, thanks to the tall-boy design that provides excellent headroom and easy entry-exit. The 185-millimetre ground clearance, best-in-class for the segment, proved practical during my drives through varied Indian road conditions. The introduction of keyless entry and central locking added welcome convenience features. However, I noted the basic sound insulation allows engine noise to permeate at higher revolutions, and the non-adjustable steering column and seat limited ergonomic flexibility. At its launch price of approximately 3.57 lakh rupees, this variant offered genuine value for budget-conscious buyers seeking genuine performance improvement without significant premium over the base model.

During my time with the 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0, I found it to be a genuinely capable entry-level hatchback that addressed the limitations of its 0.8-litre predecessor. The 999cc i-SAT engine producing 67 bhp and 91 Nm of torque made a noticeable difference in real-world driving, particularly when navigating Goa's inclines where the earlier variant would have struggled considerably. What impressed me most was how smoothly the power delivery remained across the rev range, allowing me to cruise comfortably at 50 kmph in fifth gear without constant downshifting. The engine does become audible around 4,000-5,000 rpm, but shifting up at 4,000 rpm keeps it relatively quiet. Ground clearance of 185mm combined with the tall-boy design provided excellent visibility and that commanding driving position Indian buyers appreciate. The spacious cabin, particularly for rear passengers, and practical storage solutions made it suitable for city driving. However, basic sound insulation meant highway driving brought noticeable engine and tyre noise. Despite the car's discontinuation in 2022, it offered genuine value for budget-conscious buyers seeking more power without excessive compromise on practicality or efficiency, delivering the promised 22.5 kmpl in real-world conditions.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0-litre represents a meaningful step forward for the budget hatchback segment in India. During my test drive, I found the 999cc three-cylinder i-SAT engine, producing 68 horsepower and 91 Newton-metres of torque, delivers noticeably better performance than the earlier 800cc variant. The engine feels considerably more responsive across the rev range, allowing comfortable cruising at highway speeds without constant downshifting. What impressed me most was how the torque spreads evenly throughout the power band, making everyday city driving less laborious. The claimed fuel efficiency of 22.5 kilometers per litre matches real-world observations, making it economical for Indian driving conditions. The cabin, despite the compact exterior dimensions of 3435mm length and 1546mm height, feels spacious thanks to the high seating position and generous glass area. The 185mm ground clearance proves practical for our varied road conditions. However, the minimal interior sound insulation means engine and tyre noise become noticeable at higher speeds. With only a driver-side airbag as the sole safety feature, occupants should exercise caution. For buyers seeking affordable transportation with adequate performance and interior space, this variant offers compelling value in the ultra-budget segment.

Datsun rolled out its 100,000th car in India from Nissans Oragadam plant, marking a significant milestone. This achievement underscored Datsuns growing presence in the Indian market, particularly with the redi-GO being its best-selling car since its launch in June 2016. The redi-GOs affordability and features contributed to its success.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 carried an ex-showroom price starting at approximately Rs 3,57,333, with the overall price range spanning from Rs 2,49,000 to Rs 3,96,000 depending on variants and showroom location. On-road pricing in Delhi and other metros would typically add another Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 accounting for registration, insurance, and road tax, bringing the effective cost to consumers closer to Rs 4,00,000-4,50,000 range. From my perspective as a reviewer, Datsun's pricing strategy proved competitive against rivals like the Renault Kwid and Maruti Alto K10, particularly when factoring in the ownership packages offered. The value proposition becomes attractive when you consider the larger 1.0-litre engine delivering 68 PS against competitors' smaller outputs, combined with the unique suspension setup and spacious interior. However, I'd recommend checking with local dealerships for current pricing variations, as on-road costs fluctuate based on state-specific taxes and dealer margin policies. For budget-conscious buyers, this positioned itself as an intelligent middle-ground between the cheaper 800cc variants and more expensive compact sedans.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 was launched in India with an ex-showroom price range of approximately ₹3.39 lakh to ₹3.99 lakh, depending on the variant. On-road prices, including registration, insurance, and other charges, typically ranged from ₹3.8 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh in major cities. This pricing positioned it competitively against rivals like the Renault Kwid 1.0, Maruti Alto K10, and Tata Tiago petrol. The redi-GO offered a compelling value proposition with its spacious cabin, higher seating position, and decent warranty, but it faced stiff competition from cars that offered better features and refinement at similar price points. The ownership cost is generally low, with affordable maintenance and parts, but resale value tends to be lower compared to segment leaders. For buyers on a tight budget who want a spacious and comfortable city car, the redi-GO 1.0 remains a viable option, especially in the used car market where prices are even more attractive.

During real-world testing conditions, the 2017 redi-GO 1.0 delivered 19 to 20 km/l in mixed city-highway driving, though official claims suggested 22.5 km/l under standardized conditions. I observed that mileage remains decent for the segment considering the larger 1.0-litre engine's increased performance capability, though not exceptional compared to smaller-engined alternatives. City-only commuting yielded better efficiency when driven sensibly with early upshifts, while highway driving on highways showed relatively lower returns due to the engine requiring more throttle input at higher speeds. Running costs remain affordable with low maintenance expenses, though fuel consumption patterns suggest budgeting approximately Rs 4,500-5,500 monthly for average Indian usage of around 1,200 km. For buyers concerned primarily about economy, managing expectations around 20 km/l helps avoid disappointment.

The 2017 Datsun redi-GO 1.0 delivers a claimed mileage of around 22.5 kmpl, with real-world figures typically ranging between 19 to 20 kmpl in mixed city and highway conditions. This is competitive for its segment and engine size, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and running costs. The 1.0-litre engine is more efficient than the 800cc variant, especially when driven at moderate speeds. For buyers prioritising low running costs and fuel efficiency, the redi-GO 1.0 is a solid pick, though actual mileage can vary based on driving style and traffic conditions.