Datsun redi-GO: Variants Explained

With a starting price of Rs 2.49 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India), the pocket-friendly hatch is available in 10 variants with two engine and transmission options

Datsun, the more affordable automotive arm of Nissan Motor Company, didn’t have the best of starts in India. While its first product, the GO, had super-attractive pricing and a competitive package, it didn’t really manage to capture the imagination of Indian customers. The GO+, which claimed the title of being the cheapest seven-seater in India, met with a similar fate. However, Datsun’s third product, the redi-GO, has got some good traction for the company and has now become the bread-and-butter product for the Japanese carmaker.

When the redi-GO went on sale in June 2016, it was available in five variants. Now, however, the pocket-friendly hatch is available in 10 variants covering two engine and two transmission options. Prices for the redi-GO start at Rs 2.49 lakh and go up to Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India). In this price range, the Datsun redi-GO competes with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and K10, Hyundai Eon and its close sibling, the Renault Kwid.

Before we get cracking on the redi-GO’s variant list, let’s get the standard specs out of the way.

Colour options available for standard car: Silver, Grey, Ruby, Lime and White.

The redi-GO Gold can be had in Silver, Grey or White.

Variant: D

Price: Rs 2.49 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India)

The entry-level variant comes only with the 0.8-litre engine. Here are some of the features that you get for your money:

As you’d expect, the base variant misses out on quite a lot. But then, at this price tag, you’d have to make some compromises. Amongst several missing features, the main ones are air conditioning, music system, passenger side ORVM, accessory socket, power steering and body-coloured bumpers and door handles. This variant is for those who have an extremely tight budget and want a car that looks quirky and stands out from the crowd. 

Variant: A

Price: Rs 3.03 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Approx price premium above D: Rs 62,000

Like the base-spec variant, the ‘A’ is offered only with the smaller engine. But what extra do you get for the money? Here are some of the main features that the ‘A’ variant gets over the ‘D’:

In this spec, the redi-GO comes out a more complete car. Sure, there is no music system here and you still don’t get wheel covers. But, the basics are covered. You get an air conditioner and a power steering, both of which are significant in a country like ours with extreme climatic conditions and jam-packed city roads. The premium over the base spec is justified and if you have decided on the redi-GO but are on a budget, skip the D and get the A.

Variant: T

Price: Rs 3.30 lakh

Approx price premium above A: Rs 27,000

Unfortunately, even with the ‘T’ variant, the only engine option available is the 0.8-litre. But where does your money go and what all does this variant offer above the ‘A’? Here’s the main list of features:

Apart from the convenience that the remote key and the central locking mechanism brings, nearly everything else is a fascia upgrade. The premium of Rs 27,000 is a bit steep for our liking and we’d recommend that you stick with the ‘A’ variant and get everything else done from an aftermarket shop. It will be cheaper to get the keyless entry and central locking done, and the rest of the amount (if Rs 27,000 is considered to be the limit) can be spent on a decent music system.

Variant: T(O)

In this variant, the redi-GO can be had either with a 0.8-litre engine or with the more powerful 1.0-litre mill.

The Rs 23,000 difference between the two T(O) variants is only because of the larger engine in the dearer one. So, if you opt for the T(O) variant with the smaller engine, the premium of Rs 9,000 is settled against three additional features - radio antenna, front power windows and a music system with CD/Radio/USB/AUX. But, if you can spend an extra Rs 23,000, you get a more powerful engine.

Our recommendation would be to opt for the more powerful version of the duo. While the fuel efficiency figure comes down by a mere 0.2kmpl only, the extra oomph will make your life easier in city driving conditions. The extra 14PS/19Nm may not sound big on paper but will come in handy, especially during overtaking manoeuvres. There's an AMT variant too, for people looking for an automatic option. Further, the redi-GO 1.0-litre AMT is also the most economical 1.0-litre AMT-equipped offering in the country

Variant: S

Like the T(O), the ‘S’ variant is also available with both engine and transmission options. On paper, it is the range-topper but there are a few variants which have a price tag higher than the S. Let’s see what extra you pay for this one.

For that extra amount, Datsun will fit daytime running lights (DRLs) and an airbag for the driver. While DRLs help enhance the outlook of the car a bit, it is the added safety that makes this variant ideal for those who drive alone most of the time. For anyone who is buying his/her first car and can spend around Rs 4 lakh on the redi-GO, the S (with 1.0-litre engine) is the perfect fit. But if you want a redi-GO which has more pizzazz going for it, read on.

Variant: Gold

Price: Rs 3.74 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India)

Approx price premium over S (1.0-litre manual): Rs 4,000

Yes, you guessed it right. The Gold edition is only available with the 1.0-litre engine with the 5-speed manual and that’s why we have compared its price with that of the S - 1.0-litre MT. The price difference is almost negligible but instead of the standard exteriors, you get dual-tone decals on the hood, roof and doors, black honeycomb grille with a golden accent, wheel covers with a golden highlight, black and gold seat covers and a golden accent on the centre console. Datsun also offers an ambient mood lighting inside the car, which can be controlled via a dedicated mobile application.

If you like your things to be shiny and glittery and want people to notice them from the outset, look no further than the Gold edition. You might think that you are getting additional stuff with the Gold edition. And you’re right. But when the time comes to bid goodbye to your redi-GO, the ‘look-at-me’ nature of both these editions might not floor everyone and may make that reselling procedure a painful one.

Read More on: Datsun RediGO on road price

Read More on : Datsun RediGO on road price