Comparative analysis: Maruti Alto Datsun Redi-Go or Hyundai Eon which one to buy?

The Datsun redi-Go is just a few weeks away from entering the unforgiving Indian budget small car space. It’s sibling Renault Kwid fared very well and hence, there are enough reasons for Datsun to expect a strong start. Apart from competing with the Kwid, the newcomer will also have to fend off the Hyundai Eon and the country’s best-selling for decades, the Maruti Alto.

Though the Datsun and Renault are based on the same CMF-A platform, the top hats have different characters and dimensions. The redi-GO is taller whereas the Kwid is longer. Both cars are marginally larger than the other two when it comes to overall size.

Coming to the engines, all the four models adopt three-cylinder 800 cc petrol engines. The Alto (K10) and Eon are also available with more powerful 1.0L units. The Kwid will receive a 1.0L variant in the coming months. The Eon emerges as the most powerful hatchback of this lot but only by a nominal margin. The Kwid and redi-GO finish second with identical power outputs of 54 PS (both cars share the same engine). The RNA duo also emerges as the most fuel efficient in this comparo with a figure of 25.17 kmpl. At 21.1 kmpl, the Eon is the least efficient. A 5-speed MT is a standard across this lineup.

With touchscreen infotainment system, front power windows, and optional driver airbag, the Kwid emerges as the best-equipped model in this comparo. The other three cars offer front power windows and optional driver airbag but the touchscreen system is replaced by regular audio systems.

The Datsun redi-Go is expected to be the cheapest car in the segment with an estimated starting price of INR 2.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Renault Kwid and Alto 800 are roughly in the same price ballpark while the Hyundai Eon is by far the most expensive budget hatchback.

Comparison Table

	Datsun redi-Go	Renault Kwid	Maruti Alto 800	Hyundai Eon 0.8L
Length	3429 mm	3679 mm	3395 mm	3495 mm
Width	1560 mm	1579 mm	1490 mm	1550 mm
Height	1541 mm	1478 mm	1475 mm	1500 mm
Wheelbase	2348 mm	2422 mm	2360 mm	2380 mm
Ground Clearance	185 mm	180 mm	160 mm	170 mm
Boot Space (L)	222	300	187	220
Turning Radius	4.73 m	NA	4.6 m	NA
Fuel Tank (L)	28	28	35	32
Engine	3-cy (P)	3-cy (P)	3-cy (P)	3-cy (P)
Displacement	799 cc	799 cc	796 cc	814 cc
Transmission	5-MT	5-MT	5-MT	5-MT
Power	54 PS @ 5678 rpm	54 PS @ 5678 rpm	48 PS @ 6,000 rpm	56 PS @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	72 Nm @ 4386 rpm	72 Nm @ 4386 rpm	69 Nm @ 3500 rpm	74.5 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Mileage in kmpl	25.17	25.17	22.74	21.1
Weight in Kg	640 (approx)	660 (approx)	695	760
Price in Lakh	2.5 – 3.5 (est)	2.62 – 3.67	2.60 – 3.83	3.24 – 4.42

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com