2020 was different, more different than any of us could have imagined it would be. A lot has changed including the way we work, the way we learn, and the way we socialize. Also changed is the Facelifted Datsun Redi-Go! (Overused segue of the year). The new Redi-Go complies with the latest safety and emission norms and receives significant aesthetic upgrades, which is where we start.

New Looks.

The new-look is more stylish and aggressive than its predecessor. It is championed by a larger grille that retains its trademark style comprising of a honeycomb design, the Datsun Badge in the center, and a chrome lining.  Although the new grille is more noticeable, it has managed to divide opinions.

The facelifted Datsun Redi-Go also gets prominent L-shaped DRLs which find their way into the bumper where segment-first fog lamps are placed (available on the top-spec variant). Other features that distinguish the new Datsun Redi-Go from the outgoing model are the body-colored side mirrors, Datsun badges on the front fender, slimmer headlights, and an overall sharper design.

While you do not get alloys, you do get alloy look-alike wheel covers. It’s a regular blackened Steel Wheel Rim with an Alloy looking Cover, like in the Triber. This, we think, is a pretty decent effort to make a budget car look premium. Profile and tallboy proportions remain unchanged, but it gets a 2mm increase in the already tall ground clearance which now is 187mm.

New on the inside.

Inside, the Datsun Redi-Go has changed the asymmetrical layout of the dashboard with a more traditional horizontal layout. A slab of silver textured plastic that runs across the dashboard contrasts well with the dark color. Taking center stage in the centre console is the new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Amending the shortcomings of the old Redi-Go, the facelifted Datsun Redi-Go no longer has the exposed sheet metal in the inside door panel. Furthermore, the ORVMs are now adjustable from the inside, the seatbelts for the rear passengers are no longer static reel, and the glovebox unit is larger and more usable.

The equipment list of the Datsun Redi-Go includes power steering, air conditioner, remote locking, front power windows, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, a driver’s side airbag, and a passenger airbag on the top-spec variant. These cosmetic changes are supplemented by structural upgrades under the body. The Redigo’s CMF-A underpinnings, which are shared with the Kwid, have been beefed up, in order to comply with the latest crash-test and pedestrian-protection norms.

Driving the New Datsun Redi-Go

Powering the redi-Go is a 68bhp 1.0L petrol, both three-cylinder units. We got the keys to the 1.0L manual. The power output is decent and enough to get you around the city. That being said, you will not be winning too many races with the Datsun redi-Go. It is slow off the mark and only builds up momentum once you cross the 2000rpm mark. However, the three-cylinder engine gets noisy and twitchy at which point it is advised to shift up gears.

But that is expected of the Datsun redi-Go; it is a budget car that is best suited for in city driving. At that, the redi-Go excels. The clutch is light and so is the steering, so you aren’t overly strained when maneuvering through traffic. Moreover, for a budget hatchback, the redi-Go seats you at a high vantage point and that makes visibility very good.

You can seat 3 people in the rear seat, though thanks to the narrow dimensions it will be a snug fit. On the other hand, the tall boy proportions give passengers plenty of headroom.

Our Verdict

Datsun redi-Go delivers what it promises, a compact car that will get you around the city. The facelift includes aesthetic as well as substantial structural upgrades, making this a significant upgrade to the predecessor. The Datsun redi-Go comes in at a price of Rs. 23,99,000, making it a strong contender in the entry-level hatchback segment. And considering the happenings of this past year, this segment is where most of the action is likely to happen.

So, if a budgetary change is amongst the several changes that have happened in your life, you should keep the Datsun redi-Go on your shortlist.