The Datsun redi-Go is just a few weeks away from entering the unforgiving Indian budget small car space. It’s sibling Renault Kwid fared very well and hence there are enough reasons for Datsun to expect a strong start. Apart from competing with the Kwid, the new comer will also have to fend off the Hyundai Eon and the country’s best selling for decades, which recently got a facelfit, 2016 Maruti Alto.
Though the Datsun and Renault are based on the same CMF-A platform, the top hats have different characters and dimensions. The redi-GO is taller whereas the Kwid is longer.
Coming to the engines, all the four models adopt three-cylinder 800 cc petrol engines. The Alto (K10) and Eon are also available with more powerful 1.0L units. The Kwid will receive a 1.0L variant in the coming months. The Eon emerges as the most powerful hatchback of this lot but only by a nominal margin. The Kwid and redi-GO finish second with identical power outputs of 54 PS (both cars share the same engine). The RNA duo also emerges as the most fuel efficient in this comparo with a figure of 25.17 kmpl. At 21.1 kmpl, the Eon is the least efficient. A 5-speed MT is standard across this lineup.
With touchscreen infotainment system, front power windows, and optional driver airbag, Kwid emerges as the best-equipped model in this comparo. The other three cars offer front power windows and optional driver airbag but the touchscreen system is replaced by regular audio systems.
Also read – Datsun redi-Go review
Datsun redi-Go is expected to be the cheapest car in the segment with an estimated starting price of INR 2.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Renault Kwid and Alto 800 are roughly in the same price ballpark while the Hyundai Eon is by far the most expensive budget hatchback.
Comparison Table
| Datsun redi-Go | Renault Kwid | Maruti Alto 800 | Hyundai Eon 0.8L | |
| Length | 3429 mm | 3679 mm | 3430 mm | 3495 mm |
| Width | 1560 mm | 1579 mm | 1490 mm | 1550 mm |
| Height | 1541 mm | 1478 mm | 1475 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2348 mm | 2422 mm | 2360 mm | 2380 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm | 180 mm | 160 mm | 170 mm |
| Boot Space (L) | 222 | 300 | 187 | 220 |
| Turning Radius | 4.73 m | NA | 4.6 m | NA |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 28 | 28 | 35 | 32 |
| Engine | 3-cy (P) | 3-cy (P) | 3-cy (P) | 3-cy (P) |
| Displacement | 799 cc | 799 cc | 796 cc | 814 cc |
| Transmission | 5-MT | 5-MT | 5-MT | 5-MT |
| Power | 54 PS @ 5678 rpm | 54 PS @ 5678 rpm | 48 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 56 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 72 Nm @ 4386 rpm | 72 Nm @ 4386 rpm | 69 Nm @ 3500 rpm | 74.5 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Mileage in kmpl | 25.17 | 25.17 | 24.7 | 21.1 |
| Weight in Kg | 640 (approx) | 660 (approx) | 695 | 760 |
| Price in Lakh | 2.5 – 3.5 (est) | 2.62 – 3.67 | 2.49 – 3.34 | 3.24 – 4.42 |
