Which Entry level Hatch I should buy – Alto 800, Renault Kwid or Datsun RediGo?

Alto 800, Renault Kwid or Datsun RediGo?

The answer to this question is very simple yet complicated – Isn’t it? Why?

The problem is that - Alto 800 is too basic but trusted due to its reliability and wide network. Then there is Renault Kwid, which blown away the market with its styling and features that were unheard for this class while Datsun RediGo is the newest entrant trying to establish itself in the slot.

Renault Kwid already made a significant dent in sales of Alto 800 but its top end variant costs marginally less than 4.5 lac rupees which leaves room for Alto 800 to snatch buyers and this is where Datsun RediGo comes into play as it tops out under 4lac. So which one is for you?

Look wise:

• Renault Kwid offers the best looks from every angle - muscular from front while clean and sophisticated from behind.
• Datsun RediGo comes second with tall boy design having lots of cuts and creases. Front section is the best place to look from while side profile looks jacked up due to its high ground clearance and small wheels. Tail section is very well blended with overall design and is pleasing to eyes.
• Alto 800 has the most basic design. It even looks smaller than Kwid and RediGo. Recent cosmetic updates by Maruti also does not help its cause when parked side by side.

Space inside:

• Renault Kwid has the best – whether you sit on front seats or on rear seats. You also sit high due to higher ground clearance while ingress and egress is good enough for rear passengers. Also Kwid is the widest of the lot.
• Datsun Redigo comes behind Kwid in terms of inside space. Front and rear seat comfort is equivalent to Kwid but since the cabin is narrower, overall sense of space is less. Where RediGo scores the most is in ease of ingress and egress due to its tall boy design with the highest ground clearance of the lot.
• Alto 800 comes the last as it offers the least amount of cabin space especially on rear bench. There is almost no leg room available for tall passengers sitting behind and you sit low due to its low ground clearance. Also getting in and out is the toughest of the lot.

Features:

• Renault Kwid offers the most features. You have a 7 inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and telephony. You have navigation on offer which no other manufacturer gave a thought for this segment before. You have fog lamps, front power window, keyless entry, chunky steering, fully digital console and plenty of storage space inside.
• Datsun RediGo comes second when it comes to feature list. Although it offers the same features as compared to Alto 800 but with cool looking Day Running LEDs and more inside storage space it secures second position. Also this is the only car that comes with tachometer which helps in extracting maximum mileage.
• Alto 800 stands third with the least amount of inside storage space. Music system with USB and Aux connectivity options looks better than RediGo. Thanks to the competition as Alto 800 now comes with fog lamps and keyless entry.

Fit, Finish and inside feel:

• Renault Kwid has the best feel while sitting inside but fit and finish is not better than Alto 800. It can be termed as - at par with competition. Renault has managed it well with dark colours; unless you do not go into details you will have no complains.
• It is good to see Alto 800 is not left behind in every department. You will find fit and finish more pleasing than compared to RediGo as everything on dashboard is neatly integrated. The new padding onto the doors add some elegance while new seat fabric add some fresh air inside cabin. Infact the analogue speedo with small digital display and various indicators around it looks as cool as Kwid’s full digital display.
• Datsun RediGo comes the last in finish and feel because it tells you directly about the cost cutting measures as Datsun devoid RediGo off full padding on to the doors and onto the roof. There are exposed sheet metals though neatly integrated, looks odd and act as eye soar. The newly designed dashboard by Datsun has a nice feel about it and part digital with analogue speedo meter console looks fine.

Boot Space 

• Kwid has the largest 300 ltr boot putting almost every hatch to shame from two classes above.
• Next is Datsun RediGo with 224 ltrs of boot space
• Third is Alto 800 with 177 ltrs of boot

Engine and Performance:

• Alto 800 has the least power on paper but it is the peppiest car to drive. Maruti’s finesse with petrol engines come alive as they know exactly how to translate those power figures on to road. Car pulls cleanly and there is enough juice to propel in every gear even in lower RPMs.
• Renault Kwid is more powerful but it is hesitant while accelerating especially in higher gears and slow city speed. Although the performance is adequate enough to keep the pace with the help of changing gears but its not as agile as Alto. Its engine is purely tuned for efficiency.
• Datsun Redigo shares the same engine as with the Kwid but somehow it falls behind Kwid. Datsun engineers are unable to keep its refinement levels intact and power delivery is weak below 3000RPM. NVH levels are also on higher side as sufficient amount of noise creeps in when you rev engine hard.

Riding Dynamics:

• Kwid has the best riding dynamics. The steering is super light, a boon to ride in city traffic while suspension soaks up bumps and potholes in a superb fashion. Higher speed stability is also the best among three; though light steering does not weigh up enough to inspire cornering confidence.
• Alto 800 is very good at low city speeds but as speed rise the ride becomes bumpy and nervous. Steering is direct but not very precise; also 12 inch wheels do not inspire confidence on twisty roads.
• Datsun RediGo is a mix bag. The ride is on harsher side even on lower speeds (not harsh enough) to keep body roll in check while high speed stability is good in straight line. Steering is light and sitting position is nice and high. Do not expect anything dramatic on hilly terrains.

Safety:

All three hatchbacks have driver side airbag as an option and fog lamps as safety measure. No other safety feature is on offer. Kwid and Alto failed miserably in crash tests while RediGo is yet to undergo one. We are sure it will also not qualify, therefore; we cannot leave one and choose other on safety.

Cost of ownership:

All three of them comes with the lowest cost of ownership leaving no room to differentiate. Economy figures of Renault and Datsun are 25+kmpl but in real world all three cars will deliver more or less same depending on your driving style.

Value for money

Kwid provides the most value for money while Alto and RediGo can be kept on balance considering what we get on what we spent.

Verdict:

Kwid is the clear choice if you got a Renault’s showroom in your city. Datsun RediGo will be a good option only if there is no Renault.