Datsun Redi-GO T

The Datsun Redi-GO T is a compact hatchback designed to navigate the congested streets of Indian cities with ease. It comes with two petrol engine options a 0.8-litre engine producing 54PS and 72Nm of torque, and a 1.0-litre engine producing 69PS and 91Nm of torque. The 1.0-litre engine is also available with a 5-speed AMT transmission, which is a convenient option for city driving. The car features LED daytime running lamps, LED front fog lamps, a digital tachometer, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite its compact size, it offers a spacious interior and good ground clearance, making it a practical choice for urban driving. However, the safety concerns and build quality issues need to be carefully considered before making a purchase decision.

The Datsun Redi-GO T is a practical and stylish option in the entry-level hatchback segment, but it comes with some significant drawbacks. While it offers user-friendly dynamics and the best-in-segment ground clearance, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces, its safety record is a major concern. The car scored only one star in the Global NCAP crash tests, with particular issues noted in adult chest protection and the lack of rear seatbelts with pretensioners and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Despite these safety concerns, the Redi-GO T is affordable and comes with features like ABS, a driver airbag, and rear parking sensors. However, the build quality and overall safety make it a less desirable choice for those prioritizing safety.

Datsun has discontinued the production of the Datsun Redi-GO, including the T variant, marking the end of an era for this affordable hatchback in India. The last recorded prices ranged from Rs. 3.83 lakh to Rs. 4.96 lakh, depending on the variant. I think this move might open up space for new, more advanced models in the entry-level segment.

The Datsun Redi-GO T(O) 1.0 AMT was the top model in the lineup, featuring a 1.0-liter engine producing 67hp and 91Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission. It also came with dual airbags, a reverse parking camera, and ABS with EBD. This variant was priced at around Rs. 4.96 lakh. I believe the AMT option made it a convenient choice for city driving.

In 2019, Datsun updated the Redi-GO with additional safety and convenience features, including ABS across all variants and a driver-side airbag on the top trim. The T variant also received enhancements like LED daytime running lamps and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This update made the Redi-GO more competitive in its segment.

Datsun launched the Redi-GO AMT in January 2018, which was priced at Rs. 3.80 lakh for the introductory period. This addition made the Redi-GO more appealing to buyers looking for an automatic transmission in the entry-level segment. The AMT variant was about Rs. 22,000 more expensive than the standard manual version. I think this was a smart move to cater to the growing demand for automatics.

Datsun introduced the 1.0-liter variant of the Redi-GO in July 2017, which added more power and driveability compared to the 0.8-liter engine. The pre-launch bookings started at Rs. 10,000, indicating strong interest in the more powerful version. I believe this move helped in boosting sales and customer satisfaction.

The Datsun Redi-GO T is priced competitively in the Indian market, with the ex-showroom price starting at around Rs. 4.26 lakh. On-road prices, however, can vary depending on the location and additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other taxes, typically ranging from Rs. 4.8 lakh to Rs. 5.2 lakh. This pricing makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, but its essential to weigh the cost against the compromises on safety and build quality. The price difference between the manual and AMT variants is also noteworthy, with the AMT version costing around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 more.

The Datsun Redi-GO T offers decent mileage, which is a crucial factor for many Indian buyers. The manual petrol variant of the Redi-GO T provides an ARAI-certified mileage of 21.7 kmpl, while the AMT variant slightly better at 22 kmpl. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage close to these figures, making it a reasonable choice for daily commuting. However, the actual mileage can vary based on driving conditions and maintenance of the vehicle.