The soaring fuel prices have always been a concern for Indian car buyers. Neither the car manufacturers nor the consumers can prevent the fuel inflation from making newer records every morning.
That means, as an end user, there is no way out to this setback? Relax, there is one. Sighting the sentiments of the car buyers, the car makers are now coming up with improved engines that offer maximum bang for each drop of fuel. Though a sizeable upsurge has been witnessed in the upmarket car segment, however, still, a large chunk of car buyers, especially, the first time car buyers’ favour hatchbacks due to their mileage.
So here we bring you the top 5 fuel efficient hatchbacks in India. Interestingly, out of five hatchback cars two are from the Maruti Suzuki stable.
For your convenience we have picked those hatchbacks that deliver high mileage with petrol as fuel and also don’t lack behind when they are put to test with diesel.
Tata Tiago
Mileage: Petrol 23.84 kmpl | Diesel 27.28 kmpl
Price: Petrol Rs. 4.39 – Rs. 6.21 Lakh | Diesel Rs. 5.24 – Rs. 6.61 Lakh
The hatchback that gave new lease of life to Tata Motors in the very competitive entry level segment is none other than Tata Tiago. The car dons every bit to appeal its audience right from sporty and upmarket looks to feature rich cabin loaded with convenience and practicality, and yes striking mileage numbers too. With its 1.05L, Revotorq diesel engine it gives out 70 PS and 140 Nm of top torque, while the petrol powered 1.2L Revotron motor churns out 85 PS and 114 Nm. Both the units are coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, whereas petrol-run engine comes with an additional AMT choice.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Mileage: Petrol 21.4 kmpl | Diesel 27.39 kmpl
Price: Petrol Rs. 5.68 – Rs. 9.0 Lakh | Diesel Rs. 6.83 – Rs. 8.83 Lakh
Leading carmaker’s inaugural premium hatchback, Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with a lot of intriguing class that outclasses many in its category. The full-size hatch acquires ideal balance of features, performance, and premium quotient. With host of segment first USPs like Projector LED headlamps, Speed Alert System, UV Cut Glass and others, Baleno stands out of the crowd. Besides long equipment list, excellent fuel efficiency has also been one of the high points of the premium hatch. Packed with 1.2L petrol mill, it outpours 83.1 Bhp and 115 Nm of power and torque respectively. And with 1.3L diesel-run mill the figures stand at 74 Bhp (power) and 190 Nm (torque). Petrol engine is offered with 5-speed manual and automatic transmission, whilst the diesel comes attached with regular 5-speed manual gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Mileage: Petrol 22.0 kmpl | Diesel 28.4 kmpl
Price: Petrol Rs. 4.99 – Rs. 7.41 Lakh | Diesel Rs. 5.99 – Rs. 8.86 Lakh
Maruti Swift has always been a champion all-round hatch, and with every update it is getting better and better. The latest Swift with more ‘fun to drive’ element again seizes every eye and excites one and all with its thrilling performance without taking a toll on fuel consumption and practicality. Some of the highlights of equipment list include 7-inch infotainment system, auto LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, flat-bottom steering wheel, etc. Its 1.2L VTVT petrol powertrain hands out a peppy 81.8 Bhp and 113 Nm of power and torque performance. Likewise, 1.3L DDIS diesel counterpart exhibits a promising 74 Bhp and 190 Nm. The Swift petrol is offered with option of 5-speed manual or AMT, while the diesel engine is mated to only 5-speed manual gearbox transmission.
Ford Figo
Mileage: Petrol 20.04 kmpl | Diesel 25.83 kmpl
Price: Petrol Rs. 5.23 – Rs. 7.7 Lakh | Diesel Rs. 6.13 – Rs. 7.55 Lakh
The never-aging hatchback from Ford Motors, Figo has got an outstanding reputation of itself in the segment. The ideal hatch lacks nearly nowhere in terms of performance, looks, cabin comfort, and even fuel efficiency. The bestseller from Ford stable comes with extensive feature list, class leading safety elements and engines that absorb less fuel. One of critics favourite, Figo is one of the most exciting cars to drive in its category and offers generous comfort while driving in city limits. Mated to a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or AT gearbox, the 1.5L Ti-VCT delivers 121 Bhp and 150 Nm. Similarly, the powerful 1.5L TDCi diesel unit coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission churns out 99 Bhp and 215 Nm.
Honda Jazz
Mileage: Petrol 18.2 kmpl | Diesel 27.30 kmpl
Price: Petrol Rs. 7.51 – Rs. 9.32 Lakh | Diesel Rs. 8.22 – Rs. 9.47 Lakh
Honda Jazz since its debut has been high on practicality, performance, space and frugality. The current new-gen Jazz focuses more on safety with nearly all safety features coming as standard across variants. Uber cool exterior appeal, smart interior packaging, well tuned CVT, huge 354L boot (biggest in its class), 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, etc. come as stand out aspects, while the convenience of paddle shifters make highway driving a cakewalk. The 1.2L i-VTEC petrol powertrain gives out 90 PS of high power and 110 Nm of top torque. Furthermore, the refined diesel unit with its 1.5L i-DTEC engine churns out 100 PS and 200 Nm. The petrol comes marred to a choice of either 5-speed manual transmission or CVT gearbox, whilst the diesel gets 6-speed manual transmission as standard.
The tightening pollution norms are now encouraging carmakers to drop diesel engine variants from their line-up. And first to lead the way is passenger car segment ruler, Maruti Suzuki, who will discontinue the diesel-powered cars from next year onwards to make way for BS-IV engines.
*All the prices mentioned are of ex-showroom, New Delhi.
*The given mileages are ARAI certified.
