There would be only a few who would not know the fact that hatchbacks are among best selling vehicles in Indian car market. As rising fuel prices have subdued the demand for petrol cars in India, the impact had also effected the sales of petrol powered hatchbacks. Owing to this development, diesel cars have gained a lot, particularly the hatchback ones. At present, almost every car manufacturer maintains its presence in the diesel hatchback segment with different models. Diesel cars varying from entry-level to premium hatchbacks are available in India. So in order to list a few prolific diesel hatchbacks that are doing quite well in India, a list is as follows.
Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the best selling cars in its segment. With its lower maintenance costs, powerful engine and respectable features, the car has constantly set the sales registers ringing for the leading car company of India. Available in diesel engine options, Swift has caught the attention of Indian car buyers and features among the top 10 diesel hatchbacks in India. Under the hood, it has got a 1248 cc diesel engine that gives away 74 bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to 5 speed manual gearbox that transmits power to the front wheels.
From the stable of Chevrolet, Beat has found a place in the hearts of Indian consumers and has constantly featured in talks regarding best diesel hatchbacks. Deriving power from its 1.0-litre XSDE engine, Beat delivers a company claimed mileage of 25.44 kmpl, which is quite high among same segment cars. The car is available is available in two trim levels namely PS and LS. As claimed by the company, this engine of Beat can deliver an average of 25.44 kmpl on smooth traffic situations.
The diesel version of Ford Figo has received critical acclaim from industry experts because of refined engine performance. The car is equipped with a 1.4-litre Duratorq engine having 67 bhp and 160 Nm of torque. Priced competitively, Ford Figo is a good buy considering overall specifications.
Toyota is known for manufacturing formidable vehicles that are majorly popular for their engine performance. With its Etios Liva hatchback, the company has stayed true to its reputation. The car available in three diesel variants and gives away an average of 23 kmpl subject to different road conditions. It has got some of the best-in-class features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and central remote locking.
Tata Motors flagship hatchback, Indica, is among the most favoured cars from the brand. The new generation Indica eV2 is offered at a price tag of Rs. 4.25 lakh for the base variant and at present is one of the most affordable hatchback in the country. It is said Tata Indica eV2 has an average of 20 kmpl, subject to driving conditions.
It been quite a while since Nissan launched Micra in India. The car has been able to gather some sort of momentum for the Japanese car maker. Diesel version of Micra is powered by an 1461 cc engine that churns out 65 bhp of power and 160 Nm of torque. The ground of the car stands at 150 mm that makes it easier to to ride through roughest of terrains.
Talking about the largest car exporter of India, Hyundai, it has a few vehicles that are highly ranked in diesel hatchback segment. Recently launched Grand i10 is one of those vehicles. It has got a newly developed 1.1-litre U2 diesel engine that produces an impressive peak output of 70 bhp.
Another model of Hyundai that makes it on the list of best diesel hatchbacks in India is i20, which comes with 1.4-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine that produces 88.7 bhp of power. The main highlight of this premium hatchback is its long list of features and safety equipment. It has got rear parking camera, electro chromic mirror, automatic headlight leveller, 6 airbags, ABS and many others. As claimed by Hyundai, i20 gives an average that varies from 17 to 19 kmpl under different driving conditions.
Fiat Punto also makes it presence felt in the best diesel hatchbacks list. The car has got an attractive exterior design that complements well-lit interiors. Equipped with the tried and tested 1248 cc Multijet DOHC diesel engine of Fiat, Punto has got excellent output levels.
Last but not the least, Volkswagen Polo is a car that is among the best-selling hatchbacks in the country at present. It has a powerful engine fitted under its bonnet churning out 74 bhp of power and 180 Nm of torque. This powertrain is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. This Volkswagen model has an ability to return an average of 22.04 kmpl, depending on the driveability. Also to mention, Polo has got high-end safety equipment like 2 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and engine immobilizer.
