2017 Datsun Redi-Go, Track Test

We all have that one friend who claims that the only purpose of a car is to get from Point ‘A’ to Point ‘B.’ Well, the next time you meet the said friend, tell him or her to go drive the Redi-Go – because this is a car for the sole purpose of getting from one point to another.

Now, we’re not insinuating that this little hatch isn’t any good. On the contrary, it does have a lot going for it. But, if you want some creature comforts, a nice music system, or comfortable seats, then the Redi-Go simply isn’t going to cut it. Yes, it’s practical, and very cost effective, but it’s not particularly desirable. Having said that, it does have some redeeming factors. For one, it looks quite good. Secondly, the interior space is quite impressive. Headroom, in fact, is plentiful. It’s also got good ground clearance and the ride quality is actually quite commendable. Then there’s the new 1.0-litre engine, which is actually the most impressive bit of the car. The motor is quite refined and punchy, and gives the Redi-Go more than enough grunt for both the city as well as the highway. But, at the end of the day, it’s the overall quality levels that let the Redi-Go down.

But, if all you’re looking for is affordable (and spacious) transport, then the Redi-Go fits the bill. If, however, creature comforts and safety features are important to you, we’re afraid you will have to look elsewhere. There are small things that let this Datsun down. For instance, the insulation from the doors is dismal, and there’s exposed sheet metal on the inside of the door panels – which looks quite tacky.

From the outside, though, the Redi-Go actually looks quite good with a bold front grille and sleek lines. Datsun actually calls the Redi-Go an urban crossover, and with 185mm of ground clearance it actually has a higher ride height than some pseudo SUVs. And the engine is now no longer a weak link, so the Redi-Go is a lot more usable than before. But it does need better quality levels before it can truly make an impact – especially in an urban setting. 

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