Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in India - Maruti Swift to Renault Kwid

While the government is pushing carmakers in 2019 to standardise a handful of safety features, like ABS and driver's side airbag on every car model, it's fuel efficiency that is usually on the top of the priority list of most car buyers. No surprise, then, that car manufacturers have been trying to outdo each other in the 'mileage' stakes. Here is a list of Top-10 most fuel efficient cars in India to give you an idea about the mind-boggling ARAI-certified fuel economy these models provide -

Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars in India

Maruti Swift Diesel - 28.4 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 17,755 units*, the latest-gen Maruti Swift is the top-seller in the B1 segment. Its diesel variant offers an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 28.4 km/l, thereby making it the most fuel-efficient car on sale in the country. It's powered by the D13A 1.3-litre diesel engine that outputs 75 PS and 190 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. It may be noted here that with the oil-burner won't be compliant with the BSVI emission norms that kick in next year. Hence, in all probability, the diesel version of the popular hatchback will face the axe.

Maruti Dzire Diesel - 28.4 km/l

The third-gen Maruti Dzire (average monthly sale - 20,695 units*) shares aplenty with the latest Swift, which means it gets the same D13A oil-burner with a maximum power/torque of 75 PS/190 Nm and an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 28.4 km/l. While both the new Swift and the new Dzire use the same engines as the second-gen models, they are more fuel efficient owing to the weight savings that were made possible with the usage of the lightweight HEARTECT platform.

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Maruti Ciaz Diesel - 28.09 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 5,142 units (from August-December 2018), the updated Ciaz is the country's largest-selling C2-segment sedan. As per ARAI, the diesel engine variant of this sedan offers an astonishing 28.09 km/l, which makes it the second-most fuel efficient car in India. Powering the Ciaz D is a VGT-equipped D13A 1.3-litre oil-burner that outputs 90 PS and 200 Nm. It comes mated to 5-speed manual transmission. Another highlight is its SHVS mild-hybrid technology that optimises the motor's fuel efficiency. Maruti is said to be close to introducing the E15A 1.5-litre diesel motor in the Ciaz. The engine will gradually completely replace the 1.3-litre option.

Honda Amaze Diesel MT - 27.4 km/l

The second-gen Honda Amaze has been quick with establishing itself in the C1-segment of our car market. Its monthly sales average stands at 7,364 units*, which is second only to that of the Maruti Dzire. With an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 27.4 km/l, its diesel engine variant is the fourth-most fuel-efficient car on sale in the country. It draws power from a 1.5-litre iDTEC motor that outputs 100 PS and 200 Nm with a 5-speed manual transmission, and 80 PS and 160 Nm with a CVT. It may be noted that the latter even offers a lower ARAI-stated fuel efficiency of 23.8 km/l.

Maruti Baleno Diesel - 27.39 km/l

The Maruti Baleno has been the highest selling B2 segment hatchback with a monthly sales average of 17,124 units*. The diesel variant of the Hyundai Elite i2o-rival is powered by the same D13A 1.3-litre unit that powers the Swift. It outputs 75 PS and 190 Nm and offers an ARAI-tested fuel efficiency of 27.39 km/l. While the high fuel efficiency should impress those with high usage, the performance-enthusiasts can go for the 1.0-litre Boosterjet-equipped RS variant, which outputs 101 PS and 150 Nm along with a reasonable high fuel efficiency of 21.1 km/l. The Maruti Baleno is about to receive a mid-life facelift, which will bring in minor visual updates and reportedly a set of new features.

Honda Jazz Diesel - 27.3 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 1,297 units*, the Honda Jazz lags well behind the Maruti Baleno in the popularity stakes. That said, with an ARAI-stated fuel efficiency of 27.3 km/l, the diesel version of the B2-segment Honda model is only a shade under that of the segment-leader. While the Jazz uses the same 1.5-litre iDTEC diesel motor as the Amaze, it offers a 6-speed manual transmission that makes the hatchback a comfortable mile-muncher.

Tata Tiago Diesel - 27.28 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 7,867 units*, the Tata Tiago has been one of the more popular budget hatchbacks on sale in 2018. Its diesel variant offers an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 27.28 km/l, which is only a shade lesser than what the diesel-sipping Honda Jazz delivers. Powering this car is a 1.05-litre oil-burner that produces a maximum power of 70 PS and a peak torque of 140 Nm. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Ford Aspire Diesel - 26.1 km/l

The diesel version of the refreshed Ford Aspire (average monthly sale- 1,472 units*) features a new gearbox, which has resulted in enhanced ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 26.1 km/l. The diesel-sipping Aspire is powered by a 1.5-litre motor that outputs 100 PS and 215 Nm. The refreshed model features several styling tweaks, which give the sub-4-metre Figo-based sedan a fresher look. The most notable update for the interior comes in the form of the SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Honda City Diesel - 25.6 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 3,251 units*, the Honda City is the second-most popular C2-segment sedan after the Maruti Ciaz. Its diesel variant delivers an ARAI-tested fuel efficiency of 25.6 km/l, thereby making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in India. Powering the diesel-sipping City is a 1.5-litre iDTEC motor that outputs 100 PS and 200 Nm. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Renault Kwid - 25.17 km/l

With an average monthly sale of 5,562 units*, the popularity of the Renault Kwid is second only to the Maruti Alto twins (average monthly sale - 22,212 units*). Akin to its arch-rival, the Kwid is available in two engine variants - 0.8-litre petrol and 1.0-litre petrol. The former is more fuel efficient of the two and has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 25.17 km/l, which puts it on the tenth spot on our list of most fuel efficient cars in India

* between July-December 2018