Datsun RediGo - What to expect

Datsun has been teasing their upcoming RediGo hatchback, which will be finally unveiled globally tomorrow. A lot is being said about the new car whose details have not yet been officially revealed by the manufacturer. However, from the information collected so far, we tell what the RediGo is about.

Datsun's third offering

The RediGo will be the brand's third car to be offered for the Indian market after the Go hatchback and the Go+ MPV. It might make its way to the showrooms by May this year. 

Sporty styling

The RediGo's sibling, the Renault Kwid, came with sporty styling that was a first in the entry-level hatchback segment. The RediGo is also expected to replicate this success, but will be different from the Kwid. The RediGo looks futuristic and retains most of the elements from its concept form, making it look sleeker and sportier.

Attractive features

The production version will be close to the RediGo concept unveiled at Auto Expo 2014. The aggressive styling all thanks to the sporty stance, external body cladding, roof rails, spoiler etc. give the car a fresh look. Though there are some changes to the headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers and mirrors, the cabin is expected to get most of the attractive features from the Renault-Nissan siblings.

Engine and Gearbox

The RediGo is likely to be powered by the three-cylinder 800cc SCe petrol mill also seen under the hood of the Renault Kwid. This engine produces 53bhp of power and 74Nm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Soon, the Kwid will also get a new 1.0-litre petrol engine and an AMT gearbox, which could eventually also make its way to the RediGo. Reports suggest that the carmaker is developing a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder diesel mill, adding to the probability of a diesel RediGo as well.

Aggressive Pricing

The RediGo will be the first Datsun car to be based on the Renault-Nissan alliance’s CMF-A platform. It will be manufactured at the carmaker's alliance plant in Oragadam, Chennai. Apart from the same platform as the Renault Kwid, the new Datsun will also share many components bringing down the production costs of the vehicle. This can mean a competitive pricing for the final product.

Competition

With an aggressive and affordable pricing, Datsun should be able to make the RediGo compete with the entry-level hatchbacks like the Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and the Tata Nano.