Buying a petrol car over a diesel one in India has its advantages – mainly the lower initial cost and comparatively better levels of refinement and NVH. With prices of diesel slowly achieving parity with petrol and the various recent international diesel emission scandals, the Indian industry is seeing a gradual shift towards petrol engine cars.
Still, fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors an Indian consumer takes into account when buying a car. Hence, here’s our list of the 10 most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in India today.
Though the figures quoted ahead are ARAI certified, they do not reflect real-world efficiency figures as those tests are conducted in the lab under ideal conditions.
1. Datsun Redigo – 25.17kpl
Datsun’s Redigo, when powered by the 54hp, 0.8-litre engine, shares the top spot with the identically equipped Renault Kwid. The brand has also introduced a 68hp, 1.0-litre model of the tall boy hatchback, with an AMT version expected to launch in January 2018. While the Redigo isn’t the most well-equipped or most spacious car, with prices starting at Rs 2.81 lakh (on-road, Delhi), the frugal engine and its styling, the Redigo is a decent buy.
Also see:
2017 Datsun Redigo 1.0 video review
Renault Kwid vs Datsun Redigo video comparison
Datsun Redigo review, road test
1. Renault Kwid – 25.17kpl
The rugged-looking Renault hatchback shares the 0.8-litre engine with the Redigo, and the same ARAI-rated fuel-efficiency figure. Slightly more premium and spacious interiors, along with a touchscreen infotainment system on the top-spec trim, are a few of the reasons to go for the Kwid, whose prices start at Rs 3.22 lakh (on-road, Delhi). A 1.0-litre version and an AMT variant are also available.
Also read: Renault Kwid road test
3. Maruti Alto 800 – 24.7kpl
There’s a good reason why the Alto 800 is one of India’s most popular small cars – its price (staring at Rs 2.83 lakh on-road, Delhi), its fuel efficiency and Maruti’s extensive service network. The 48hp, 796cc motor helps the lightweight car to post the third-best fuel efficiency figure on this list.
Also see:
Redigo vs Alto 800 vs Kwid vs Eon comparison
Maruti Alto 800 facelift review, test drive
4. Maruti Alto K10 – 24.07kpl
It is a better-looking and more upmarket version of the Alto 800, with a peppy and 68hp, 1.0-litre engine. It’s a great choice as an urban runabout with a price tag starting at Rs 3.71 lakh (on-road, Delhi). It also comes with an automatic variant that is claimed to be just as fuel efficient as the manual.
Also see: New Maruti Alto K10 review, test drive
5. Tata Tiago – 23.84kpl
Priced from Rs 3.60 lakh (on-road, Delhi), the Tiago is a good-looking hatchback that features a stylish, yet practical interior and decent levels of equipment. Its size and features put it in a segment that’s slightly above the other cars, but the 85hp, 1.2-litre engine is a bit lacklustre in terms of performance. An AMT version is also on offer.
Also read:
2017 Tata Tiago long term review, final report
Tata Tiago review
6. Tata Nano GenX – 23.6kpl
While the Nano GenX is a marked improvement over the original Nano, the package is let down by its image, poor ride quality and lack of luggage space. However, it is the most affordable car in India with prices starting at Rs 2.55 lakh (on-road, Delhi). Along with the price tag, the efficient 38hp, 624cc engine, interior space and manoeuvrability in tight spaces are a few of the reasons to buy one.
Also see:
SCOOP! Tata Electric Nano will be launched as the Jayem Neo
Tata Nano AMT long term review, final report
7. Maruti Celerio – 23.1kpl
Maruti brought out a minor facelift for its Celerio recently, priced from Rs 4.68 lakh (on-road, Delhi); though not much had changed. Besides a claim that the hatchback has been upgraded to meet upcoming Indian safety norms in terms of pedestrian, offset and side impact regulations, the model is more or less the same, with Maruti having missed the opportunity to equip it with a touchscreen infotainment system. The 68hp, 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor is shared with the Alto K10 and an AMT transmission is also an option.
Also see:
New Maruti CelerioX launched at Rs 4.57 lakh
8. Maruti Dzire – 22kpl
The new Dzire pairs Maruti’s frugal 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine to a lightweight body, making it the most fuel-efficient petrol sedan (albeit a compact one) on sale in India. The Dzire is the largest-selling compact sedan for a great many reasons, not limited to its peppy performance, fuel efficiency, cabin room and equipment. Priced from Rs 6.08 lakh (on-road, Delhi), it is no wonder it won our big, compact sedan comparison shootout.
Also see:
Maruti announces service campaign for new Dzire
2017 Maruti Dzire long term review, first report
2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire review, test drive
9. Maruti Baleno – 21.4kpl
While Maruti may have positioned the Baleno as a premium offering with prices starting at Rs 5.89 lakh (on-road, Delhi), it features all the things that Maruti cars are known for, from the 84hp 1.2-litre engine to the lightweight platform and body. A decently long equipment list, strong performance and a nice cabin are a few of the highlights.
Also read:
2015 Maruti Baleno long term review, final report
2015 Maruti Baleno review, road test
10. Hyundai Eon (0.8-litre) – 21.1kpl
Hyundai’s Eon may not be the freshest car in the market, but the 56hp, 814cc motor is still one of the most fuel-efficient ones available. The engine’s downside is its lacklustre performance. Higher variants of this hatchback are very decently equipped but are a bit too expensive compared to rivals. Prices start at Rs 3.66 lakh (on-road, Delhi).
[“Source-autocarindia”]
