Datsun Redigo review, road test

This stylish offering stands tall in the budget hatchback segment.

Published on Sep 12, 2016 07:00:00 AM

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For its sub-three-lakh rupee price, the Redigo is very stylish.

The dashboard design is funky yet functional. Steering wheel is nice to touch and hold.

The Redigo’s electrically powered steering (EPS) is light, but feels lifeless. There’s little feedback on offer and even at higher speeds, the EPS remains inconsistent and vague. On the flip side, its 4.7m turning radius makes this car extremely easy to manoeuvre in the city and makes tight parking a breeze.

What stands out though is the Redigo’s ride quality. The suspension tune is spot on and it does a great job of absorbing road imperfections and smaller bumps. Even the larger bumps are discarded in a very mature manner. Pitching and bobbing at high speeds are well controlled too. This little Datsun has a slightly stiff suspension setup to counter the car’s higher body roll, yet on sweeping curves its tall stance does lead to the inevitable top heaviness although it isn’t excessive. Show the car a set of corners or fast curves and it feels outside its comfort zone.

Its feather-light weight shows its weakness on the highway where the car feels flighty at speeds beyond 80kph. High-speed stability isn’t really confidence-inspiring and crosswinds only add to its nervousness.

The car is best suited for city commuting. Thanks to its 185mm ground clearance, shorter wheelbase and slightly stiffened suspension, it should clear tall speed breakers and deep potholes with ease.