Most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India

Buying a petrol car over a diesel one in India has its advantages – mainly the lower initial cost and comparatively better levels of refinement and NVH. With prices of diesel slowly achieving parity with petrol and the various international diesel emission scandals, the Indian industry is seeing a gradual shift towards petrol-powered cars. Additionally, the high cost of upgrading diesel vehicles to meet upcoming BS6 norms will make them even more expensive to buy. 

Still, fuel efficiency is one of the most important factors an Indian consumer takes into account when buying a car. Hence, here’s our list of the 10 most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in India today.

Though the figures quoted ahead are ARAI certified, they do not reflect real-world efficiency figures as those tests are conducted in the lab under ideal conditions. We have also added fuel efficiency figures from our road tests and long-term reviews to give you an idea of what to expect in the real world.

1. Renault Kwid

ARAI Certified: 25.17kpl
Autocar test (overall): 18.4kpl

The rugged-looking Renault hatchback is powered by a 54hp, 0.8-litre engine that returns an ARAI-rated 25.17kpl, which is the best for petrol cars in the country. The Renault Kwid budget hatchback is equipped with a list of segment-leading features, such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, one-touch lane change indicators and speed-dependent volume control. A 1.0-litre version and an AMT variant are also available, along with a more rugged-looking Climber version. 

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

ARAI Certified: 23.95kpl
Autocar test (overall): 15.5kpl

It is a better-looking and more upmarket version of the standard Alto and comes with a peppy, 68hp, 1.0-litre engine. It makes for a great urban runabout, with prices starting at Rs 3.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It also has an automatic variant that is claimed to be just as fuel efficient as the manual. The Maruti Alto K10 was recently updated with more safety kit, which will ensure that it will continue to be produced for a while longer.

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

ARAI certified: 23.87kpl
Autocar test: NA

The Baleno is a premium hatchback from Maruti that is spacious and well-equipped. Maruti Suzuki recently launched the Baleno with a BS6-compliant, 90hp, 1.2-litre K12C DualJet engine with Smart Hybrid technology that is certified to return 23.87kpl. This makes it more fuel efficient than the older (but also BS6-compliant) K12B-powered Maruti Baleno, which delivers 21.01kpl.

4. Toyota Glanza

ARAI certified: 23.87kpl
Autocar test: NA

Being a rebadged Baleno, the Toyota Glanza is mechanically identical to its Maruti counterpart. It’s powered by the same 90hp, 1.2-litre K12C DualJet engine that comes with Smart Hybrid technology and a 5-speed manual gearbox only and returns an identical 23.87kpl. The Toyota Glanza hybrid is priced about Rs 65,000 less than its equivalent Baleno hybrid, which means that it is the most affordable mild-hybrid car on sale in India, for now.

5. Tata Tiago

ARAI certified: 23.84kpl
Autocar test: NA

Priced from Rs 4.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Tata Tiago is a good-looking hatchback that features a stylish yet practical interior and decent levels of equipment. Its size and features put it in a segment that's slightly above the other cars, but the 85hp, 1.2-litre engine feels a bit lacklustre in terms of performance. An AMT version is also on offer.

6. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

ARAI certified: 23.1kpl
Autocar test: NA

Maruti’s Celerio rivals hatchbacks like the Tata Tiago and the Hyundai Santro, with prices starting at Rs 4.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The model is powered by the 68hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder motor that also does the duty in the Alto K10, with the option of AMT. The Celerio’s fuel efficiency is rated at 23.1kpl. There’s also a rugged version of the hatchback called the Celerio X.

7. Datsun Redigo 1.0 AMT

ARAI Certified: 23kpl
Autocar test: NA

Datsun’s Redigo, when powered by the 68hp, 1.0-litre engine mated to a 5-speed AMT, returns 23kpl. There’s also a 54hp, 0.8-litre engine option that does an ARAI-rated 22.7kpl. While the Datsun Redigo isn’t the most well-equipped or most spacious car, its frugal engine and styling make it a decent buy. Prices for the Redigo AMT start at Rs 4.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

8. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0-litre

ARAI certified: 22.5kpl
Autocar test: NA

Maruti launched the all-new Wagon R in January this year, with prices starting from Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The hatchback is available with a 68hp, 1.0-litre and a BS6-compliant 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engines, which return an ARAI-certified 22.5kpl and 20.53kpl, respectively. The new Wagon R upped its game in the features and cabin space department, making it a more compelling package than before.

9. Maruti Suzuki Alto

ARAI certified: 22.05kpl
Autocar test: NA

Maruti recently updated the Alto with revised styling and a BS6-compliant engine. The hatchback is powered by a 48hp, 796cc unit mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. There are a few good reasons why the Maruti Alto is still one of India’s most popular small cars – its starting price of Rs 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), its fuel efficiency and Maruti’s extensive service network.

10. Maruti Suzuki Dzire

ARAI certified: 21.21kpl
Autocar test (overall): 15.96kpl

Maruti’s frugal 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a lightweight body makes the Dzire the most fuel-efficient petrol sedan on sale in India. The Maruti Dzire is the only sedan on this list and is also the largest-selling compact sedan in the country. The Dzire impresses with its peppy performance, fuel efficiency, cabin room, and equipment list. With a competitive starting price of Rs 5.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is no wonder it won our big, compact sedan comparison shootout.  

Looking for a fuel efficient diesel car? Check out our list of ten most fuel efficient diesel cars, with real world efficiency figures, here.

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