Best Diesel Hatchback Car In India -2013 Part 2
Click here to read our latest 2014 review - Best diesel hatchback in India - 2014.
Best Small Diesel car in India 2013
This is in continuation of our previous post for the Best Diesel Hatchback Car In India for 2013.
7. Toyota Etios Liva
Etios Liva is Toyota's small car for India. The 1.4 litre diesel engine in Liva gives an impressive mileage (ARAI tested) of about 23.59 kmpl . The car has got good space and drive quality and has the 'Toyota' brand image. On the downside, the interiors in the car look basic and need improvement. Cost cutting is clearly visible inside the car.
Pros:
Spacious
Easy to drive
Toyota Brand
Excellent Fuel efficiency
Easy Maintenance
Cons:
Dull Interiors
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 14.5 (city), 19.3 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): GD – 5.94, GD Safety – 6.62, TRD Sportivo – 6.47
Best model to buy: GD Safety
8. Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra is a value for money car from Japanese auto major Nissan. Micra boast of great fuel efficiency and luxurious interiors. But lack of good sales and service network makes it unattractive among buyers.
Pros:
Easy to drive
Low running cost and Value for money
Good features and equipments
Best city car
Distinctive styling
Fuel efficient
Cons:
Seating
After sales service
Resale value
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 14.6(city), 19.5 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): XV – 5.96, XV premium – 6.41
Best model to buy: XV
9. Renault Pulse
Renault Pulse is the small hatch from French Automaker, Renault and shares the same platform as Nissan Micra. Though it has lot of similarities with Nissan Micra, Pulse has its own unique identity and French styling and is definitely better car than Micra. The ARAI certified mileage of Renault Pulse is is 23.08 Kmpl.
Pros:
Efficient K9K diesel engine
Spacious interiors
Good features
Good city car
Fuel efficiency
Cons:
Similarity with Micra
After sales service
Dull cabin
Low rear seat
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 14.5(city), 19.2 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): RxL -6.10 RxL -6.23 optional RxZ -6.65 RxZ optional - 6.78
Best model to buy: RxL Optional
10. Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat Grande Punto is a stylish and talented premium hatchback powered by the most popular Fiat’s Multijet diesel engine known for its fuel efficiency. Under standard test conditions, Fiat Grande Punto gives a fuel efficiency (ARAI tested) of 20.3 Kmpl.
Pros:
Solid Build
Looks and Styling
Good Features
Efficient Multi Jet engine as in Swift but doesn’t make the response as in Swift. It’s quicker than Ford Figo.
Service cost is lesser than Ford Figo but costlier than Maruti.
Cons:
Average performance
Sometimes feel little under powered
Maintenance cost and after sales service
Rear leg room
Interior Fit and finish
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 14.0(city), 19.1 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): Active – 5.72, 1.3 Dynamic -6.37, 1.3 Emotion- 7.00, Emotion Pack 90BHP -7.36, Sport 90 BHP – 7.52
Best model to buy: Dynamic
11. Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo is an elegant looking car that has many good elements combined into one package. It has got great design, styling and comfort in addition to its uncompromising quality and powerful engine. Moreover, this premium hatchback car has striking interiors and exteriors that will attract car lovers.
Pros:
German engineering
Build quality
Ride and comfort
Cons:
Average performance but better than Ford Figo
Rear leg room
Maintenance cost and less service network
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 14.0(city), 19.0 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): Trendline -6.09, Comfortline – 6.59, Highline- 7.16
Best model to buy: Comfortline
12. Hyundai i20
Hyundai i20 has got three important things – Space, Comfort and Safety. The new face lifted next gen i20 truly boast of attractive fluidic design with host of cool features and efficient 1.4L CRDi diesel engine.
Pros:
Great looks
Refinement
Spacious interiors
Feature rich
Hyundai Service Network comes next to Maruti
Cons:
Average performance
Poor initial response
Pricey
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 13.8(city), 19.5 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs): Era-5.93, magna -6.17, Magna (0pt)-6.47, Sportz- 7.04, Asta-7.51
Best model to buy: AstaNote: Hyundai Grand i10 diesel hatchback will be launching in September 3, 2013. Click here to know more.
13. Tata Indica eV2
Tata Indica eV2 is the most affordable and spacious diesel car in India for the masses. The new refreshed version of Tata Indica eV2 has cool interiors and additional new features. It also has Auto drive Assist and Clutch-to-start features which makes this hatchback more attractive than before.
Pros:
Cheap and affordable
Comfort and Spacious
Value for money
Fuel efficient
Cons:
Quality issues
Fit and finish
Brand image
Mileage (Average Kmpl): 15.3(city), 19.3 (highway)
Price (Exshowroom at Delhi in Lakhs: L - 4.13, LE - 4.57, LS - 4.72, LX-5.02
Best model to buy: LX
FINAL VERDICT:
Choosing a best diesel hatchback depends on various factors such as performance, ride and handling, features, Price, Maintenance cost, After sales service, Fuel efficiency, Resale value and of course the buyer requirement, which is subjective. Here is the final verdict:
Best #1. Maruti Swift tops the list considering these factors. It’s truly the best diesel hatchback in India that has almost all the necessary elements to be at the number one position. It has got all – great performance, Good ride and handling, striking design, well finished cabin, excellent fuel economy, Maruti’s hassle free ownership and host of other features. Though it loses out on certain level of comfort aspects, it clearly scores on all other areas. As we said before, Maruti Ritz can be a smart alternative to Swift especially for family. If you have deep pockets, Maruti Swift ZDi would be worth to buy.
Best #2. Ford Figo comes in the second position as it has a mix of comfort, value and practicality. It’s a well equipped hatchback that outshines all others in terms of ride and handling. Ford has cleverly priced the Figo to attract customers and this car is already a hit among Indian customers. We recommend the higher end Titanium model though Ford Figo 1.4 Duratorq ZXi model is also worth to consider.
Other five alternatives to choose are:
Chevrolet Beat – The most fuel efficient affordable hatch back.
Chevrolet SAIL UVA - For excellent ride, spacious cabin and refined engine.
Tata Indica Vista – Most spacious, affordable, value for money hatchback.
Toyota Etios Liva – For fuel efficiency, space and Toyota brand.
Hyundai i20 – Though pricey, it has got style, comfort, features, safety and space.
What do you think is the best hatchback car?
Do not forget to share your feedback and comments.