Datsun Redi-GO T (O) AMT

Overview

The Datsun Redi-GO T (O) AMT is a compact hatchback tailored for city commuters who value affordability, practicality, and the convenience of an automatic transmission. Designed for urban environments, this model offers a blend of high ground clearance, efficient fuel economy, and user-friendly features, making it an appealing choice for those navigating crowded city streets.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Distinctive Urban Appearance

The Redi-GO T (O) AMT stands out with its tall-boy stance, bold front grille, and swept-back headlamps. Its compact proportions—measuring 3435 mm in length, 1574 mm in width, and 1546 mm in height—make it easy to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces.

Practical Elements

• Ground Clearance: With 187 mm of ground clearance, the Redi-GO can handle rough roads and speed breakers with minimal hassle.
• Boot Space: The 222-litre boot is adequate for daily shopping and short trips, though it may feel limited for longer journeys with more luggage.
• Wheels: Fitted with 14-inch steel wheels, the car is designed for comfort and agility on city roads.

Engine and Transmission

Power and Efficiency

• Engine: The car is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 68 HP at 5500 rpm and 91 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm.
• Transmission: The 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) provides the ease of automatic gear shifts, making city driving less stressful and more convenient.

Driving Experience

• Urban Performance: The engine provides adequate power for city commutes, and the AMT simplifies driving in stop-and-go traffic. Light steering further enhances maneuverability.
• AMT Features: The transmission includes a “creep” function for slow movement in traffic and a manual mode for those who prefer more control. While the AMT is generally smooth, some gear shift lag and jerkiness may be noticeable, especially in heavy traffic.
• Fuel Economy: The model boasts an ARAI-certified mileage of 22 kmpl, positioning it among the most fuel-efficient automatics in its segment.

Interior and Comfort

Cabin Design

The interior of the Redi-GO T (O) AMT is straightforward, focusing on functionality. The all-black theme is easy to maintain, and silver accents add a touch of style.

• Seating: The tall design ensures ample headroom for both front and rear passengers. Seats are comfortable for short city trips, though longer journeys may reveal limited thigh support in the rear.
• Space: Despite its small size, the cabin feels airy, and legroom is sufficient for four adults. The high roofline contributes to a spacious feel.
• Storage: Storage options include a glovebox, cup holders, and bottle holders in the rear doors. However, the front door pockets are quite narrow.

Features

• Infotainment: The T (O) AMT variant comes with a basic integrated music system supporting AM/FM radio, USB, and AUX inputs. A touchscreen system may be available in some variants.
• Convenience: Manual air conditioning, front power windows, a digital trip computer, and keyless central locking are standard.
• Additional Features: Rear parking sensors, a reverse camera with guidance, and a digital clock enhance convenience for daily driving.

Safety

Safety is a key concern in the entry-level segment, and the Redi-GO T (O) AMT addresses this with several standard features:

• Airbags: Dual front airbags are provided for both the driver and front passenger.
• Child Safety: The car includes child seat anchor points and child safety locks.
• Braking System: It uses disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, which are adequate for city driving.
• Build Quality: The lightweight construction aids fuel efficiency but results in a less robust feel. Safety ratings are modest, and the build may not inspire as much confidence as some competitors for highway driving.

Ownership Experience

Everyday Usability

Owners appreciate the Redi-GO T (O) AMT for its low running costs, easy handling, and suitability for congested city environments. The compact size and high ground clearance make it especially practical for Indian roads.

• Service Costs: Regular servicing is affordable, with major services costing around ₹5,000. However, since Datsun has exited the Indian market, sourcing spare parts may become more challenging, potentially increasing repair times and costs.
• Reliability: Many owners have reported reliable performance for daily use, with some vehicles surpassing 70,000 km without major issues. The AMT, though not as refined as some other automatic systems, is generally durable when properly maintained.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The suspension is tuned for comfort at city speeds, absorbing bumps and potholes effectively. Light steering and a tight turning radius make parking and maneuvering simple. On highways, the car can feel less stable at higher speeds, and engine noise becomes more noticeable when accelerating hard.

Pros and Cons

Comparison with Competitors

The Redi-GO T (O) AMT competes with models like the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT, Renault Kwid AMT, and Tata Tiago AMT.

• Pricing: Before discontinuation, it was one of the most affordable automatics, with an ex-showroom price around ₹4.95 lakh in Delhi.
• Features: While it covers the basics, rivals such as the Tata Tiago and Renault Kwid offer more advanced features like touchscreen infotainment and alloy wheels.
• Performance: The 1.0-litre engine is competitive for city use, but the AMT’s refinement is a step behind the latest offerings from competitors.

Discontinuation and After-Sales Support

With Datsun’s exit from India, the Redi-GO is no longer in production. This may affect the availability of spare parts and access to authorized service centers, potentially increasing the cost and inconvenience of long-term ownership. However, the car shares some components with the Renault Kwid, which could help mitigate these concerns to some extent.

Conclusion

The Datsun Redi-GO T (O) AMT is a practical choice for those seeking an economical, easy-to-drive automatic hatchback for city use. Its strengths lie in its compact size, high ground clearance, and low running costs. However, buyers should be aware of its basic safety features, modest build quality, and the potential challenges of sourcing parts due to Datsun's market exit. For urban dwellers with modest needs and a focus on affordability, the Redi-GO T (O) AMT remains a sensible option as long as its limitations are kept in mind.