NEW DELHI: With advantages like lower initial cost and better NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) level, petrol-powered vehicles are more environment-friendly than their respective diesel versions. Moreover, the global diesel emission scandal India too is witnessing a shift towards petrol-driven cars.
Another major concern is the skyrocketing fuel prices. The constant hike in fuel prices has raised a concern among the entry-segment car buyers. In such a situation, the potential car-buyers must be aware of the best options are available in the market, both in terms of practicality and
fuel efficiency
.
10) Maruti Suzuki BalenoWhile the hatchback has been positioned in the premium segment, the lightweight platform and Suzuki's tested 84PS, the 1.2-litre motor makes it capable of delivering a fuel efficiency of 21.4kmpl (claimed, ARAI certified). In fact, the more powerful, 102PS version of the model -- the Baleno RS -- claims to return 21.1kmpl as per the ARAI certification. The price of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno starts at Rs 5.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
9) Maruti Suzuki CiazDespite being a mid-sized sedan, the newly-launched Ciaz facelift is also among the top efficient options. Along with a new design and a host of new features, the car gets Suzuki's new 105PS, 1.5-litre (K15B) petrol engine which has been equipped with micro-hybrid technology. With the help of advanced tech, the Ciaz (manual transmission variants) claims to deliver a fuel efficiency of 21.56kmpl and it comes at a starting price of Rs 8.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
8) Maruti Suzuki Swift
and DzireThe new models of the hatchback and compact sedan siblings from Maruti Suzuki continues to get the 84PS, 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, a lighter platform makes the cars capable of claiming an increased fuel efficiency of 22kmpl (ARAI certified). Both the models are among the top-selling cars in the country for many reasons, including the cabin space, performance, efficiency and a competitive starting price of Rs 4.99 lakh for the Swift and Rs 5.6 lakh for the Dzire (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
7) Hyundai
Eon 0.8-litreStarting at Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Hyundai Eon is not among the latest offerings in India but still exists among the most fuel-efficient cars. Powered by a 56PS, 814cc engine, the 8.0-lite version of the small hatch claims to deliver 22.03kmpl (ARAI certified).
6) Maruti Suzuki CelerioBridging the gap between the
Alto
and Swift, the Celerio comes at a starting price of Rs 4.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Powered by the 68PS, 1.0-litre petrol engine, the hatchback claims to deliver a fuel efficiency of 23.1kmpl.
5) Tata TiagoTata Motor's entry-level car, the Tiago, is a well-equipped model in the budget segment with a long list of variant options. With a price starting at Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) it offers 11 different combinations of features to meet the buyers' requirement and budget. Powered by an 85PS, 1.2-litre engine, the Tata Tiago claims to return a fuel efficiency of 23.84kmpl (ARAI certified).
4) Maruti Suzuki Alto K10The slightly bigger and better-looking model in India's best-selling Alto series, the Alto K10, comes with the 68PS, 1.0-litre petrol engine. With a price starting at Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) it claims to deliver a fuel efficiency of 24.07kmpl (ARAI-certified)
3) Maruti Suzuki Alto 800Maruti Suzuki's entry-level offering, the Alto 800, is one of India's most loved car. There are three reasons for that - its starting price of Rs 2.56 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Maruti's largest service network and its fuel efficiency of 24.7kmpl (ARAI certified).
2) Datsun redi-GODatsun redi-GO isn't the most equipped car in its segment but offers best-in-class space. The 54PS, 0.8-litre engine powered version of the small hatch claims to deliver a fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl while with the 68PS, 1.0-litre powertrain, it claims to return 22.5kmpl (both ARAI certified). The starting price of the model is Rs 2.56 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 0.8-litre version.
1) Renault KwidBoth the Renault Kwid and the Datsun redi-GO are based on one platform. In fact, they also share the same 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre powertrains. However, the SUV-like design and premium feature options -- like a touchscreen media NAV (Navigation, Audio-Visual) system -- makes it a well-equipped choice. The 0.8-litre version of the car comes at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and claims to return 25.17kmpl (ARAI certified) which is similar to that of the redi-GO. However, the 1.0-litre version of the model offers an efficiency of 23.01 with the manual and 24.04kmpl with the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) which are better than the redi-GO.