Datsun redi-GO VS Alto 800 - Quick Comparison

The Maruti Alto 800 has been in the country since the year 2000. It was essentially a better looking Maruti 800 and was very well received by the country. It stuck to the basics of its elder, which were: decent looks, cheap spare parts, extensive service network, and a brilliant fuel economy. Now, the Alto 800 is the largest selling car of the country and one of the best entry level hatchbacks.

To challenge the Alto 800’s dominance and make its own mark in the Indian market Datsun has launched its third car, the redi-GO. Priced very aggressively, the top-end redi-GO and the Alto (both petrol) cost pretty much the same. So, do you go with the old school choice or spice things up with a modern bloke? Let’s find out.

Looks

Well, there is no doubt here. Where the ‘refreshed’ Alto still sports the age-old look, the redi-GO exterior comes in with a tall boy design and sharp cuts to thrill the audience. Though the redi-GO isn't exactly beautiful it is a far better design than the Alto 800. Also, with the tall stance the redi-GO offers better head room and easily pulls off the best in class ground clearance at 185mm. Moreover, the baby Datsun comes with daytime running lights, which is a feature from at least two segments above.

Features

Both of these cars come with identical features in their belly. The difference lies in their instrument cluster and dashboard layout. Where the Alto uses a rather retro analogue cluster with warning lights the redi-GO has an analogue+digital display with information like distance to empty, mileage, gear shift indicator and tachometer.

Both of these cars come with USB, Aux-in and radio tuner, but the redi-GO also adds a ‘Mobile Docking System’, which is essentially a mobile phone holder in the dashboard and a CD player. Safety wise, both of these cars come with a front driver airbag which is optional in the base variant in the Alto 800.

Drive

The Alto’s motor has been refined from ages whereas the one in the Datsun is an infant. This certainly reflects in the drive of the two. The Alto seems to be smooth and delivers linear power whereas the redi-GO seems to be a little hesitant. On paper, the redi-GO has more torque (redi-GO 72Nm, Alto 69Nm) and power (redi-GO 54PS, Alto 48PS) than the Maruti but, on the move, the Alto seems to be smoother.

The gearbox in both cars is a five-speed manual and here too, the refinement of the Alto is evident. Fuel economy of the two is also close, with the redi-GO(25.17kmpl) marginally leading the Alto(24.7kmpl).

Price

Priced almost the same as the Alto 800, the redi-GO is a refreshing entry in an age old segment. But the Alto 800 still rules this space with its reliability. Also, the spares availability and the extensive service network of Maruti is always an assurance. Datsun too claims upto 32 per cent lower maintenance costs than the competition. Also, with a two-year unlimited kilometres warranty, redi-GO owners will also have a peace of mind that they are in good hands.

Both cars are genuinely good when it comes to features. The built quality, however, is an area where both of them need to improve. Which car you pick remains a personal choice as Maruti is an established brand and Datsun is still making an effort to make its mark in the country. Whether it is able to with the redi-GO or not, only time will tell. Do tell us which is your pick from the two cars in the comments section below.

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