Datsun Redigo review, test drive

Think of this as the start of a second innings for Datsun, where the Redigo is the opening batsman – there’s a lot riding on it. The marketing reminds you that it’s a ‘Japanese’ car, so it will be reliable, that it has the ground clearance to handle our bad roads, and most of all, that it will have best-in-class running costs thanks to 98 percent localisation. All these are true, and to that list, you can add the tall proportions that, apart from providing a great driving position, also make for spacious and comfortable seating. 

 

However, the Redigo is not without fault. Signs of cost cutting, like the exposed metal in the cabin really mark it down, as do the poor driveability and levels of refinement. Yes, it’s a well-packaged product, but it doesn’t really break new ground.

 

What could tip the scales in its favour is the striking design, which makes the car look more premium than it is. Prices for the Redigo start at Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) The top-of-the-line model is expected to be priced around Rs 3.34 lakh. And at this price, it is really good value.