Which are the best fuel-efficient hatchbacks in India?

by Manas Sharma Automotive

Today, most new buyers are looking for hatchbacks that are loaded with smart and high-tech features for a great driving experience. While choosing a vehicle, fuel-efficiency becomes one of the most important factors. The demand for powerful cars has been growing rapidly in recent years. So, here’s a list of top hatchback cars in India that are fuel-efficient and offer the best of performance, every time you are behind the wheel.

1. Renault KWID

Be it zipping around the city or driving down the open highway, the stylish, feature-loaded Renault KWID is ready for everything. KWID’s dynamic design and first-in-class features ensure safety, comfort, and convenience with every drive.

The Smart Control efficiency (SCe) engine technology for accurate air-to-fuel ratio monitoring optimizes performance and fuel efficiency. Moreover, the suspension system is calibrated for an optimum ride. The KWID comes with two petrol engine options: 0.8-litre (54PS/72Nm) and 1.0-litre (68PS/91Nm). While the 0.8-liter engine is mated to a 5-speed manual, the Renault Kwid 1.0-litre is available with either a 5-speed manual or a revolutionary 5-speed AMT (automated-manual transmission). The AMT provides an accurate and effortless shifting of gears, regardless of the terrain you're driving on and allows the driver to pay more attention to the road every time. It also eliminates repeated involvement of the driver in shifting, making it an effortless experience.

Adding to all this, the KWID also offers a category-first warranty of 4 Years/100000KM, low cost of maintenance and great resale value and is available at a starting price of Rs.2.76 lakh.

2. Tata Tiago

Tata Tiago comes with a host of segment-first features and a brilliant design that has attracted many. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter (85PS/114Nm) petrol engine and a 1.05-liter (70PS/140Nm) diesel motor. The petrol engine returns a fuel efficiency of 23.84kmpl, while the diesel engine has a claimed mileage of 27.28kmpl. Both engines are offered with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. However, the Tiago petrol can also be had with a 5-speed AMT automatic in the XTA and XZA variants.

The Tata Tiago is available at a starting price of Rs.4.40 lakh.

3. Maruti Alto K10

The Maruti Alto K10 features the brand’s peppy K-Series engine. Powered by the 1.0-liter K-series motor, the Alto K10 puts out 68PS of max power and 90Nm of peak torque. Available with an option of a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT is only available with the top-spec VXi trim), the Alto K10 returns an ARAI-certified mileage of 24.07kmpl with both the transmission options. It is also available in a CNG manual variant. Unfortunately, the brand lacks in the features department and exteriors, but all the other positive attributes overshadow these.

The Maruti Alto K10 is available at a starting price of Rs.3.5 lakh.

4. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Baleno is a premium hatchback from the brand. Its iconic design and advanced safety features are highlights of the car. The latest variant of Baleno comes with BS 6 compatible petrol engines, while the diesel powertrain setup is the same BS 4 as before. Petrol variants are powered by a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated engine (84PS/115Nm) mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

There’s a new 1.2-liter Dualjet petrol engine with the mild-hybrid system that is offered on select variants with a 5-speed manual only. The petrol engine has a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.4kmpl, while the new Dualjet petrol-mild hybrid engine has a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.87kmpl.

The diesel variants get a 1.3-liter turbocharged motor (75PS/190Nm) sourced from Fiat. It is only available with a 5-speed MT and is the most frugal choice, with a claimed efficiency of 27.39kmpl.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is available at a starting price of Rs.5.59 lakh.

These are just a few examples of the top hatchback cars in India that offer comparatively better mileage, making them the most practical and affordable option one must buy. However, that’s not all. You also need to check out their features, other offerings and take a test drive to understand the vehicle better. Make sure you go for the one that perfectly suits your needs to get the best experience every time.