Top 10 fuel-efficient cars in India

As awareness regarding emissions goes up in our country, so do the fuel efficiency numbers of our cars. Here is a list of the most efficient cars.

By Siddhant Ghalla, Autocar India

29 Mar 2016

13577 Views

Of late, the commotion over emissions and pollution levels has reached an all-time high in India. Considering the government and public interest in curbing the amount of vehicular pollution, here’s a compilation of the most fuel-efficient cars available in the Indian market.

One caveat though: This list has been compiled on the basis of manufacturer-claimed fuel efficiency figures, obtained in ARAI testing conditions. These fuel efficiency numbers are what the car would deliver in ideal conditions. The real results in everyday driving on Indian roads are likely to be lower.

1. BMW i8 – 47.45 kpl

Not exactly an everyday car, but it is partly powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which works in conjunction with an electric motor. A green, mean supercar, the i8 will put a smile on every driving enthusiast and environmentalist’s face.

2. Maruti Ciaz (SHVS) – 28.09 kpl

The Maruti Ciaz (SHVS) is a mild hybrid version of the diesel Ciaz, and it employs much subtle technology to improve on the non-SHVS Ciaz’s fuel efficiency, which is still an appreciable 26.2kpl.

3. Maruti Celerio (Diesel) – 27.6 kpl

Though the Maruti Celerio (Diesel) is not number one in terms of fuel efficiency anymore, it still boasts a brilliant fuel efficiency number. The tiny 800cc engine, combined with the extremely low kerb weight of around 900kg ensures that the Celerio is as frugal in terms of fuel consumption as they come.

4. Honda Jazz (1.5-litre Diesel) – 27.3 kpl

The Honda Jazz is close at the Celerio’s heels when it comes to fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre diesel is powerful enough for the car, but frugal enough to ensure low fuel bills. It also helps that the car is more stylish and spacious than the Celerio.

5. Maruti Swift Dzire (Diesel) – 26.59 kpl

The Swift Dzire is still the most fuel efficient compact sedan out there. In fact, what is impressive is that despite being bigger than its hatchback counterpart, the Swift, the Dzire manages to return relatively higher fuel efficiency.

6. Honda City (Diesel) – 26 kpl

It held the mantle for India’s most popular sedan for a long time, and is still quite a good product. It looks good, drives well, is generously spacious, and sports a great fuel efficiency figure.

Also read: India's Top 10 bestselling Passenger Vehicles in 2015-16

7. Ford Figo (Diesel) – 25.83 kpl

Ford’s refreshed Figo, with a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood, is not only very frugal, but also comes with a good amount of safety kit and a long feature list.

8. Ford Figo Aspire (Diesel) – 25.83 kpl

Ford’s Figo-based compact sedan gets everything the hatchback does, including the big fuel efficiency number, with the addition of a boot.

9. Honda Amaze (Diesel) – 25.8 kpl

Honda’s compact sedan has won much acclaim for its roomy interiors and punchy engine. It also received a facelift recently, arming it with sharper looks and better features, making for a great value proposition.

10. Chevrolet Beat (Diesel) – 25.44 kpl

The three-cylinder, 1.0-litre diesel engine provides the combined benefit of being adequately peppy for city driving, as well as frugal enough to make trips to the fuel pump rare.