Datsun Redigo review, test drive

The Redigo is Datsun’s fresh stab at the budget end of the car market. We drive this all-new hatchback developed specifically for the Indian market.

Published on May 13, 2016 02:50:00 PM

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What’s it like on the inside?

The Redigo’s cabin is finished in two-tone grey and beige, and it’s good to see a departure from the dull ‘greige’ colour Datsun used in the older cars. This, combined with the large glass area and the tall seating position, gives it a really airy feeling. I particularly like the way the front windows taper down at the A-pillar for that last little feeling of openness. The dashboard has a nice, neat flow to it from left to right, with an instrument cluster identical to the Go’s. There’s the same blue analogue speedometer and a small orange digital screen that has a tachometer and detailed trip computer too. The round AC vents are familiar from the Nissan/Datsun parts bin, but what’s new is the fixed triangular central vent that’s carefully aimed at the rear seat.

In contrast to all the generous open space, the glovebox feels like a mere token, as it’s only large enough for the car’s papers and maybe some toll tickets. There is, as before, an open shelf above it, and now, also a second cubby below the AC controls – perfect for a mobile phone. Other stowage spots? Well, the door pockets are far too slim, but you do get a cup holder, a larger bottle holder and a flat tray under the handbrake. Quality levels aren’t up there with the class best – the Hyundai Eon – but the look and feel of the Redigo’s insides are certainaly a touch better than the Alto’s.

To make a car at this price, every automaker struggles with the dilemma of what to leave in and what to take out. It’s a big challenge that Datsun engineers have faced as well. While low-cost bits like the externally adjustable wing mirrors, a single-blade wiper and static seatbelts are pretty much the norm in a Rs 2.5 lakh car, items like central locking, a two-speed wiper (there’s no ‘intermittent’ setting) and no key access are missing. What really is an excessive bit of cost-cutting though, is exposed sheet metal visible in the cabin. However, Datsun says you’ll be able to buy panels from the accessories catalogue to cover these gaps and like the Kwid, many owners are likely to spec up their cars with aftermarket add-ons. In terms of safety, you do get an optional driver airbag on the top-spec car, but there’s no ABS.

The audio system is a nice step-up from the Go and Go+, featuring a radio, CD player, aux and USB input, as opposed to just aux. Still, we feel Datsun could have sprung for Bluetooth connectivity as well, as it would have been a huge boon for both music and telephony, at not much of a cost. The good news is the Redigo will be constantly updated, with something new added as frequently as every six months, so hopefully, this will be addressed then. But what’s a missed opportunity is a touchscreen, which is a new craze triggered by the Kwid. Again, this extremely vital feature will come on a later version.