Datsun redi-GO AMT to launch in early 2018

Datsun will soon add the convenience of an automatic gearbox on its subcompact hatchback.

Datsun is said to launch the automated manual transmission (AMT) equipped redi-GO in Q1, 2018.

The AMT gearbox equipped redi-GO will be only available with the larger 1.0-litre version, which was launched in India in July this year. The more powerful Datsun redi-GO is propelled by a 999cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 67bhp of power and 91Nm of torque.

Since the redi-GO is a mechanically identical cousin of the Renault Kwid, it will share the 5-speed AMT unit with Renault as well. In the Kwid AMT, there is no gear lever - but a rotary knob gear selector with R, N and D modes instead. Unlike Maruti’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS) setup, there is no option of manually selecting gears on this gearbox.

Currently, Datsun manages to sell ~2,500 units of the redi-GO every month. Addition of an automatic gearbox will surely lure a lot of urban dwellers on a tight budget, and might help the Japanese company move more units of its entry-level car.

The Datsun redi-GO is one of the most affordable cars on sale in India. Expect the redi-GO 1.0-litre AMT to cost around Rs. 30,000 - 40,000 more versus its manual transmission counterpart. The redi-GO’s main rivals in India will be the Renault Kwid AMT and Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT.

Also Read: 2017 Datsun Redi-Go, Track Test