While India is a very diverse market as far as automobiles are concerned, the majority of the volume comes from the A-segment. And in this particular segment, only two aspects are put up in higher priority by the majority of buyers – price point and fuel efficiency.
Talking about the latter aspect, the fuel efficiency figures have always been a big decision making aspect while buying a new car for years now. Maruti Suzuki has always been the leader in this area, but the new entrants have made the competition interesting by giving high fuel efficiencies.
Following is a list of the top five most fuel-efficient cars which are priced from under INR 5 lakh (ex-showroom):-
Renault Kwid
The smallest offering in Renault India’s lineup, the Kwid, created some serious ripples when it was launched back in 2015. Apart from offering SUV-ish styling as well as a first-in-class touchscreen infotainment system, another aspect which drew the attention of a number of people was its fuel efficiency. With an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 25.17 km/l from its 0.8-litre three-cylinder 54 PS engine, the Renault Kwid currently holds the title of being the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India right now.
Earlier this year, the Renault Kwid was given a mild update, which saw the inclusion of a couple of features like standard reverse parking sensors, Android Auto, Apple Carplay and reverse parking camera in the touchscreen infotainment system as and a rear centre armrest. The fuel efficiency rating above is of the 5-speed manual variant; the Kwid being is offered with a 5-speed AMT as an option as well. Prices start at INR 2.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which also makes it the most affordable car in this list.
Maruti Alto K10
While the 800 cc Maruti Alto is expected to be the most fuel-efficient car from the manufacturer’s list, it is the more powerful 1,000 cc Maruti Alto K10 which, surprisingly, offers higher fuel economy. The Maruti Alto K10, which is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder 69 PS engine, returns a fuel economy of 23.95 km/l, making it the most fuel-efficient petrol car from India’s no.1 carmaker.
Maruti Suzuki offers the Alto K10 with the options of 5-speed MT and 5-speed AMT. The fuel economy rating is the same for both MT and AMT configurations. As compared to the bare bones 800 cc Alto, the Alto K10 offers slightly plusher interiors, more powerful engine and more upmarket exterior design. Maruti Suzuki recently updated the Alto K10 with the essential safety features like reverse parking sensors, seat belt reminder and high speed alert as standard. However, its engine is yet to receive the BS-6 treatment, an update which the 800 cc Alto has already got. The Maruti Alto 800 is priced from INR 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Maruti Alto K10 is priced from INR 3.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Tata Tiago
Easily the most well-built and upmarket car in this list, the Tata Tiago feels a notch above its segment, owing to its slightly big car feel and strong build quality. The Tata Tiago, in its petrol avatar, has a 1.2-litre three cylinder 85PS petrol engine under its hood, which returns an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 23.84 km/l.
With a starting price of INR 4.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Tiago is available in a wide range of variants, with the higher variants getting premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, projector headlamps and machined alloy wheels. The claimed fuel efficiency is the same irrespective of the transmission option selected – 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual.
Maruti Celerio
The Maruti Celerio is one of the lowest selling and not so popular models in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup. However, the compact hatchback is very practical for the amount of space and fuel efficiency it has on offer. The Maruti Celerio is powered by the same 69 PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine as the Alto K10. However, the higher kerb weight results in a slightly lower fuel economy of 23.1 km/l.
The Maruti Celerio can be termed as a revolutionary car for the Indian market, as it was the first car in the country available with an AMT, which has now become the new face of an automatic transmission for budget cars in the nation. Positioned between the Alto K10 and WagonR in Maruti Suzuki’s entry-level K10 lineup, the Celerio is priced from INR 4.31 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Datsun redi-GO 1.0 AMT
The Datsun redi-GO shares both of its 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines with the Renault Kwid. However, both the engines are tuned differently for the Datsun redi-GO, which is why their fuel efficiencies differ as well. The 1.0-litre 69 PS engine is can be had with a 5-speed MT and or a 5-speed AMT. The 54 PS 0.8-litre engine is offered with only a 5-speed MT. The fuel economy rating of the Datsun redi-GO is 22.7 km/l (0.8L engine-MT)/22.5 km/l (1.0L engine-MT)/23 km/l (1.0L engine-AMT).
The most affordable and smallest model in Datsun India’s portfolio, the redi-GO, hasn’t been a strong seller despite belonging to volume-oriented segment. However, with its compact dimensions, raised stance and cute and aerodynamic styling, it is one good option for urban usage. Prices start at INR 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
