Datsun entered the Indian market in 2014 with the GO hatchback, followed by the launch of the GO+ next year. The brand, owned by Nissan, has been growing steadily and in order to accelerate this growth the company has launched an all-new entry-level hatchback. Based on the concept showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, the Datsun Redi GO rivals the likes of Renault Kwid, Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon, etc. Made specifically for markets such as ours, the new hatchback from Datsun comes with a lot of promise, but will it be enough to challenge India’s favourite? We try to figure it out in our Datsun Redi GO vs Maruti Alto 800 comparison here.
Also See – Redi GO Price | Redi GO vs Kwid | Redi Go vs Tata Nano
Datsun Redi GO vs Maruti Alto 800 Price Comparison
Renault shook the industry when they announced the pricing of the Kwid and now Datsun has followed a similar approach. Currently, the Maruti Alto 800 starts at INR 2.57 lacs for the base variant going all the way up to INR 3.48 lacs for the top of the line VXi (airbag) trim. Thanks to heavy localisation, Datsun has been able to keep costs in check and has launched the Redi GO at an introductory starting price of just INR 2.39 Lakhs. At this price point the Datsun Redi GO has a considerable price advantage on its side. Here’s a comparison of the ex-showroom price of the Alto 800 with the introductory price of the Datsun Redi GO.
| Datsun Redi GO | Maruti Alto 800 | ||
| D | INR 2.39 lacs | Std. | INR 2.57 lacs |
| A | INR 2.82 lacs | Std. (Airbag) | INR 2.62 lacs |
| T | INR 3.09 lacs | LX | INR 2.93 lacs |
| T (O) | INR 3.19 lacs | LX (Airbag) | INR 2.99 lacs |
| T S | INR 3.34 lacs | LXi | INR 3.16 lacs |
| LXi (Airbag) | INR 3.21 lacs | ||
| VXi | INR 3.30 lacs | ||
| VXi (Airbag) | INR 3.48 lacs | ||
Also See- Datsun Redi Go Review | Kwid AMT Automatic
As evident from the table above,the Datsun Redi GO enjoys a slight price advantage over the Maruti Alto 800. The top-spec trims of the two hatchbacks that get an audio system, driver side airbag, internally adjustable ORVMs will be similarly priced. The Redi GO’s cousin, the Renault Kwid is priced between INR 2.60 and 3.64 lacs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). All the three cars here offer better value for money, but the Alto 800 backed by Maruti’s extensive sales network and after-sales and service will have an edge over the Datsun Redi GO.
Datsun Redi GO vs Maruti Alto 800 Specifications Comparison
Powering the Datsun Redi GO is the same 799 cc engine that powers the Kwid. Specifications-wise, it is not at all different from the Kwid’s, which means it churns out roughly 53 BHP and 72 Nm. The Maruti Alto 800’s 796 cc petrol motor, on the other hand, belts out a peak power and torque of 47 BHP and 69 Nm respectively. Both cars come with a 5-speed manual transmission. Maruti claims an ARAI certified mileage of 22.74 kmpl for the Alto 800. The Redi GO, on other hand, boasts of an ARAI-rated fuel mileage of 25.17 kmpl. The Datsun Redi GO shares the CMF-A platform with the Renault Kwid and boasts of heavy localisation to the tune of 98%.
| Datsun Redi GO | Maruti Alto 800 | |
| Lenght x Width x Height | 3400x1490x1550 mm | 3395x1490x1475 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 160 mm |
| Kerb Weight | -NA- | 720 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 12 inch steel wheels | 12 inch steel wheels |
| Boot Space | -NA- | -NA- |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 799 cc petrol | 796 cc petrol |
| Power | 53 bhp | 47 bhp |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Top Speed | -NA- | -NA- |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | -NA- | -NA- |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed manual | 5-speed Manual |
| Mileage | 25.17 kmpl | 22.74 kpl |
| Air Conditioner Type | Manual | Manual |
| Power Windows | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | No | No |
| Audio System | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 |
| ABS | No | No |
The Redi-GO is taller than the Alto, which means it boasts of better headroom at the rear and more boot space as well. Ground clearance is also be more than the Alto’s 160 mm. As we mentioned earlier, the engine of the Redi GO is marginally more powerful than the Alto’s, but the real world performance could be similar. However, almost certainly, the claimed mileage of the Redi GO will be more than the Alto’s 22.7 kmpl figure. Both cars come with an optional front driver side airbag and front power windows and power steering. However, ABS is unlikely to be offered on the Datsun Redi GO anytime soon.
Design
The Datsun Redi GO’s design does not deviate much from the concept that was showcased a few years back. It is tall-boy design boasting of increased headroom, easier ingress-egress and a more spacious cabin. The Redi GO also sits taller than the Alto 800 with an approx. ground clearance of 180-200 mm. Overall, the Datsun Redi Go is a more modern and aggressive looking car than the Alto. The interior of the Redi Go, however, is rather plain jane and not much more modern than that of the Alto. Both the Redi Go’s and the Alto 800’s cabin is functional and feels adequate for a car its price.
Datsun Redi GO vs Maruti Alto K10 Price Comparison
Higher variants of the Redi GO, in terms of price, creep into the Alto K10 territory. And reports suggesting the Redi GO will eventually be launched with a 1.0 Litre engine have already started doing the rounds. The base variant of the Maruti Alto K10 is priced at INR 3.26 lacs, while the top end VXi(O) trim costs INR 3.79 lacs. The AMT variants of the Alto K10 are priced between INR 4.05 and INR 4.12 lacs.
| Datsun Redi GO | Maruti Alto K10 | ||
| D | INR 2.39 lacs | LX | INR 3.26 lacs |
| A | INR 2.82 lacs | LXi | INR 3.42 lacs |
| A EPS | INR 3.09 lacs | LXi (Airbag) | INR 3.46 lacs |
| T | INR 3.19 lacs | VXi | INR 3.59 lacs |
| T (O) | INR 3.34 lacs | VXi (O) | INR 3.79 lacs |
| VXi AMT | INR 4.05 lacs | ||
| VXi AMT (Airbag) | INR 4.12 lacs | ||
The top-end variants of the Redi GO will be comparable in price with the base and mid-level trims of the Alto K10. If they decide to launch a 1.0 L variant of the Redi GO, it will be interesting to see how Datsun positions it with respect to the 800 cc model and the competition. Also, the bigger capacity variants of the Redi GO could clash with the GO hatchback that comes with a 1.2 L petrol unit and is priced between INR 3.26 lacs and INR 4.14 lacs. Even though, the Alto K10 will be more expensive than the Redi GO, a bigger engine and increased features could work in its favour.
Datsun Redi GO vs Maruti Alto K10 Specifications Comparison
As we mentioned earlier, the Redi GO has been launched with an 800 cc engine for now. Quite obviously, the Alto K10 has a significant power and torque advantage. Although the K10 is more fuel efficient than the Alto 800 despite having a bigger engine, the Redi GO’s 799cc unit returns better figures than the K10’s 24.07 kpl. However, real world mileages could be more or less the same. Maruti offers the Alto K10 with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The Redi GO comes with only a 5-speed manual. Later on it could be offered with a 1.0 L SCe and 5-speed AMT.
| Datsun Redi GO | Maruti Alto 800 | |
| Lenght x Width x Height | 3400x1490x1550 mm | 3545x1490x1475 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 160 mm |
| Kerb Weight | -NA- | 755 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 12 inch steel wheels | 13 inch steel wheels |
| Boot Space | -NA- | 177 litres |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 799 cc petrol | 998 cc K10B petrol |
| Power | 53 bhp | 67 bhp |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Top Speed | -NA- | -NA- |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | -NA- | -NA- |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed manual | 5-speed Manual/5-speed AMT |
| Mileage | 26 kmpl | 24.07 kpl |
| Air Conditioner Type | Manual | Manual |
| Power Windows | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | No | No |
| Audio System | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 |
| ABS | No | No |
Apart from the increase in length, the Alto K10 does not differ much from the 800, which means that the Redi GO is taller and more spacious than the K10. It also boasts of a higher ground clearance and better headroom. Both cars are being offered with an optional driver-side airbag. However, no ABS and passenger side airbag on offer here.
Design
The Maruti Alto K10 looks more grown up and bigger than the 800 and also the Redi GO. It also comes with a better-looking dashboard design that feels more upmarket. The Redi GO stays true to the concept and boasts of a very modern, radical new exterior. The tall boy design is functional too as it will help make getting in and out of the car easier and will ensure good headroom and give the cabin an airy feel.
Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto Comparison – Verdict
Design – The looks of a car are always a matter of personal taste. However, the Redi GO is certainly more modern.
Features – The Datsun Redi GO and the Altos are all entry level hatchbacks so they aren’t exactly very feature-rich.
Specifications – The Datsun Redi GO’s engine is more powerful than that of the Alto 800, but less powerful and smaller in capacity in comparison to the K10’s.
Price – Datsun has adopted a very aggressive pricing strategy for the Redi GO, which means it is priced very attractively.
2016 Datsun Redi Go Photos
So, what do you think of our Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto 800 and Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto K10 comparison? Do share your views on the Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto comparison by penning them down in the comments section below. Also stay tuned to Car Blog India for more posts like the Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto 800 and Datsun Redi Go vs Maruti Alto K10 comparison comparison story here.
