Introduction
The entry-level budget segment has seen a major shake-up last year in the form of the Renault Kwid. Its 5,000 unit a month sale has given Renault a good foot forward to step on. Emboldened by the success, Datsun will launch its A-segment fighter, the Redigo for the Indian market tomorrow. It only seemed natural to pit it against the Kwid in a bid to see the difference between both the cars . Obviously, to add a bit of flavour to the equation, we have decided to throw in the Hyundai Eon which is a direct rival to these two vehicles in terms of options and pricing.
Exterior
Small is the name of the game in this part of the market but only in terms of looks because the actual strategy of the fight is effective maximisation of the available space. The Renault Kwid is the largest of the lot with a length of 3.67 metres and a wheelbase of 2.42 metres while its sibling the Redigo is 3.42 metres with a wheelbase of 2.34 metres. The Hyundai Eon slots in the middle with a length of 3.51 metres and a wheelbase of 2.38 metres. The new boy is then the smallest of the lot.
In terms of looks, SUVs are currently the trending topic and for that we give Renault the top spot as its crossover design is a breath of fresh air among the list of hatchbacks. The Eon was a revelation in terms of design when it was launched in 2010 but has now gone without any major updates, a fact that is now revealing its age. Datsun’s Redigo embodies the new age Japanese design thanks to the sharp lines and unconventional shapes, a fact that should help it stand out in a crowd.
Equipment
When Hyundai had launched the Eon in 2010, its 2-DIN music system, front power windows and general fit and finish were unheard of in this part of the market. Having set the standard, the rivals have now caught up. The Kwid offers a touchscreen music system (RxZ only) while the Redigo has a feature list similar to that of the Eon and includes things like a 2-DIN music system and fog lamps. One of the ways Datsun has managed to cut prices is by leaving a lot of the internal body work bare. It has said that customers can buy accessories to cover up the same and this will be offered once the car is launched.
However, Datsun has said that it will constantly update the Redigo and is likely to offer the touchscreen system down the line. In terms of safety, all three cars only a driver’s side airbag. There is no ABS, EBD or brake assist on any of the cars.
Engine and performance
The Renault Kwid and Datsun Redigo are both offered with an 800cc three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 54bhp and 72Nm of torque with power going to the front wheels via a five-speed manual. Renault, at the 2016 Auto Expo, showcased a 1.0-litre engine for the Kwid that is expected to produce 67bhp and 90Nm of torque. Along with a five-speed manual, Renault will also offer an AMT. Given, that the Redigo and Kwid share a platform, we could expect this to find a place in the former in the foreseeable future.
The Eon also has an 800cc three-cylinder engine that produces 55bhp/75Nm. It also gets a 1.0-litre unit that produces 68bhp/94Nm. The only transmission is a five-speed manual for both the engines. Hyundai has said that it currently does not have plans for an automatic variant for the Eon.
Price
The Renault Kwid is priced in the range of Rs 2.62 lakh to Rs 3.67 lakh while the Eon is priced in the range of Rs 3.25 lakh to Rs 4.40 lakh. Datsun is expected to price the Redigo in the range of 2.3 lakh to Rs 3.4 lakh undercutting both the cars significantly. However, this price undercut (if any) is likely to be achieved through a reduced feature list.
Datsun Redigo first drive review
