Best diesel sedan in India - Entry Level 2012

Which is the best entry level sedan in India - that is also affordable, easy to maintain and fuel efficient?

If this is the question in your mind, then read on...

There was a time when diesel cars were difficult to maintain, having frequent problems with engine, noises, vibrations and what not. With the advancement of technology, we have now better diesel cars with refined engine that boast of decent mileage, good performance and low maintenance. 

Let us look at the best diesel sedan in India that is also affordable and easy to maintain. Here we will consider the entry level sedan cars priced in the 6 Lakhs - 8 Lakhs range as I have received lot of queries asking about the best diesel cars in the entry level segment.  

In recent times, we have seen a lot of diesel sedans on the road and on an average, at least one new sedan is launched every two months in India. Both foreign and domestic car makers compete with affordable and better diesel cars to lure the price sensitive buyers. 

The below list is prepared after a thorough analysis of all possible players in the entry level segment - Ambassador, Tata Indigo CS, Tata Indigo XL, Ford Classic, Mahindra Verito, Toyota Etios, Maruti Swift DZire, Fiat Linea and Tata Indigo Manza. 
The following are the top of the choices:

Best Entry Level Diesel Sedan #1: Ford Fiesta Classic

Ford Fiesta Classic

 

Ford Fiesta Classic is powered by 1399cc 4-cylinder DOHC Diesel engine and ensures best road stability, power, space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Ford has launched its new diesel variant named Ford Classic 1.4 Duratorq Diesel Titanium which has all essential features to be ranked the best entry level Diesel Sedan in India. You might be aware that Ford has renamed Ford Fiesta Classic as just 'Ford Classic'.

What makes Ford Classic so special?

• Powerful and Remarkable engine: 1.4 litre of Duratorq 8 valve 1399cc of diesel engine which can deliver high power and torque (maximum power of 67bhp at 4000rpm and 160Nm of maximum torque at 2000rpm).
• Impressive ride and handling
• Elegant dual tone Interiors are really impressive and stylish with attractive beige shades that give us an airy and refreshed feel.
• Spacious car with generous storage space. Moreover the boot boot capacity is 430 litres. Spacious cabin having ample headroom and legroom enough even for the six feet tall person.
• Comfortable seats that offers good riding position
• Class Exteriors with Chrome surrounded crystal barrel headlamps, metallic finish radiator grille and turn on indicators with electrically controlled ORVMs
• Luxurious Features: The top end variant is packed with lots of comfortable and advanced luxurious features that make it the best and sophisticated. Its height adjustable driver seat and tilt-able, adjustable steering wheel with leather cover and audio controls offers comfortable driving experience. The features includes Automatic Climate Control AC, Leather Upholstery, Audio System equipped with Bluetooth, Remote Boot Release, Power Mirrors, Power Windows Hydrographic Finish, Front Courtesy Lamps that fade as the doors close, Integrated Map Reading Lamps in the front with the Individual Rear Reading Lamps, Chrome surrounded crystal barrel headlamps, metallic finish radiator grille, turn on indicators with electrically controlled ORVMs, speed sensing volume controls etc.
• Best Safety features - Ford Classic 1.4 Duratorq Titanium has dual SRS airbags for the driver and front co-passenger ensuring the safety of passengers in addition to the ABS with EBD feature giving more control to the driver. In addition to this, the car has central locking, PATS (Passive Anti-Theft system), Programmable Keyless entry and auto re-locking and Drive-away locks.
• Fuel Efficiency: This car gives an exceptional fuel economy of 32.28 Kmpl under test conditions. In normal driving conditions, the mileage will be little less than this figure but still the top fuel efficient sedan in its class.
• Price: Ex showroom price at Delhi ranges from 6.80 Lakhs to 7.80 Lakhs for the Titanium model.

In short, this car has got everything that one would think of...to have in his dream car. It has got all – Style, Performance, Comfort and Mileage!

Pros 

• Best engine, comfort and style.
• Ride Quality and Handling
• Great Mileage (32.28 Kmpl)
• Best Features

Cons 

• Nothing much.
• Exteriors are simple but stylish compared to other cars in the same segment.

So who comes next?
Click here to know about the best entry level diesel sedan #2 and #3

Also Read: Best Diesel Hatchback in India 2013