Alto 800 to Datusn Redi-Go: Cars Between Rs 2 to 3 lakhs

If you are in the market for a new car and have a limited budget between Rs 2 to 3 lakh in terms of on-road price including all taxes and fees, you have only three options to pick from. All these options are hatchbacks and include the Datsun redi-GO, Maruti Alto 800 and Renault KWID. We are not including the Tata Nano here as production of the car has been halted.  Under Rs 3 lakh, you can only opt for the lower trim levels which are offered with a 800cc petrol engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. Lets have a look at the cars:

1) Cars between 2 to 3 lakh : Alto 800

Price: Rs 2.85 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)
Current Offers: Upto Rs 20000 cash, upto Rs 30000 exchange bonus (November)

Cars between 2 to 3 lakhs in India: Alto 800 to Renault KWID

India’s most affordable car was launched in 2000 as the replacement for the good old Maruti 800. The Alto 800 is the largest selling car in small towns and rural markets and the company has sold 35 lakh (yes, 35,00,000) Altos since 2000 in the Indian car market. There is no denying the fact that the Alto 800 is a car for the masses! Bullet proof reliability, low running costs and ease of driving is that the little Alto offers. Powered by a 800cc engine and mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Alto 800 offers surprisingly brisk performance for city runs. Maruti also offers a company fitted CNG kit for even lower running costs – but this is priced over 3 lakh in terms of on-road price.
The cabin, though not as spacious as the Nano, offers a clean design with durable materials and can last for decades. Higher spec models offer an integrated audio system, front power windows, keyless entry and a driver side airbag is optional across all trim levels. You can even personalise the car with accessories online and get the same delivered via your nearest showroom.
At this price, the Alto 800 offers an unbeatable package. Its long in the tooth but is still winning thousands of hearts across India each month. For under Rs 3 lakh on-road, you can pick among the base standard or the LX Option trim. In case you are taking exchange bonus, you can even have the Lxi trim which gets your

Pros:

Value for money, factory fitted CNG option
Driver airbag optional across all versions
Light controls make it easy to drive
Efficient and cheap maintenance cost

Cons:

Not a good highway companion
Not as spacious as say the Nano or redi-GO
Average road presence

Sales (not available as figures are clubbed with Alto K10)

Latest update: Alto Utsav edition launched in October 2017

2) Cars Between Rs 2 to 3 lakh: Datsun redi-GO

Price: Rs 2.85 lakh onwards (on-road, before discounts)
Discounts: 1st Year Insurance + 2 Gram Gold Coin + Rs 12K Exchange Benefits + 3 Year Road Side Assistance (November)

Cars between 2 to 3 lakhs in India: Alto 800 to Renault KWID

For under Rs 3 lakh, you can pick the base model of the redi-GO. However if you are opting for exchange bonus, you could even have the second trim, the ‘A” model after serious negotiations with the dealer. The redi-GO AMT offers shattering value for money considering the features it comes equipped this. For example, the A model gets body coloured bumpers, left and right outside mirrors, premium seat cloth, power steering, air-con with heater, driver information display and even a charging outlet.
The redi-GO looks pretty nice for a small car and with generous dimensions, manages to stand out in the crowd of entry level hatchbacks on the road. In fact for young buyers, we recommend this any day over the Alto 800. On the inside, the redi-GO gets an all black color theme that is broken well by silver inserts at places. Practical points include open space above the glove box, under the air-con and multiple cup holders. That said, all four doors do not offer any storage space at all. However Datsun claims the redi-GO has the roomiest interiors for the segment. The 800cc engine offers more than ample performance for city runs and though a bit rough, is light on the pocket.

Pros:

Most affordable automatic
Modern interiors
Easy urban car (tall seating, good visibility, light steering)
Peppy and fuel efficient

Thumbs down

High speed manners
Interior fit and finish
Limited network, poor resale value
Cost cutting evident (single front wiper, non retractable belts)

Sales:
July: 1623
Aug: 1674
Sep: 1658

Latest update: Limited edition model launched in Sep 2018

3) Cars Between Rs 2 to 3 lakh: Renault KWID

Price: Rs 3.02 onwards (on-road, before discounts)
Current Offers: 50% Off on 1st Year Insurance + Rs 15000 Exchange Bonus + 4 Year Warranty on Select Model (November)

Cars between 2 to 3 lakhs in India: Alto 800 to Renault KWID

Like the redi-GO, for Rs 3 lakh, you can only get the base Kwid model. If you factor in the exchange bonus, for just over Rs 3 lakh, you can buy the RXE version that comes with foldable rear seats, better looking fascia with silver contours, air-con, engine immobiliser etc. Launched in September 2015, the KWID has been Renault’s largest selling car in India for several years. SUV inspired design has gone down well with buyers and the car looks upmarket, from a higher segment. The cabin too excels over rivals when it comes to a premium feel, ditto for class leading features like a touch-screen infotainment interface, full LCD speedometer console, rear arm-rest, rotary knob for gear selector (AMT version) et al – but do note all these cost over Rs 3 lakh. Renault offers the KWID with a choice of two engine options. These include a 800cc and a larger 1000cc motor: the latter is also offered with an optional automatic transmission option. The KWID rides like a mature, much larger hatchback and this ups the comfort quotient by a good margin. Renault has been on their toes to launch limited edition versions and new trim levels every few months and this has kept the KWID fresh in the market. With 8 versions on sale today across a price difference of 2 lakh, this car manages to attract a wide set of buyers.

Pros: