Top 10 fuel efficient diesel cars in India

With fuel prices soaring through globally and focus being put on for optimising efficiency, we bring you the top 10 diesel options out there that literally sip on their precious fossil fuel and are able to extract long driving distances.

Diesel, until the not so recent past, carried a reputation of being a 'dirty' fuel and was chastised to be used mainly for commercial transportation rather than personal. The modern diesel engine though has taken great strides from that point and today delivers a proposition that is very fuel efficient, emits low carbon dioxide (Nitrous oxides and Sulphates still require quite a bit of reduction though!), and is much more refined and fun to drive as well.

So, here's the top 10 list:

1. Maruti Dzire (Diesel) – 28.4kpl

The new Dzire is now the most fuel-efficient compact sedan out there. Maruti has tinkered with the engine to improve its fuel efficiency, making it an ideal combination of practicality, reliability and economy. 

2. Maruti Ciaz (SHVS) – 28.09 kpl

The Maruti Ciaz (SHVS) is a mild hybrid version of the diesel Ciaz and employs much subtle technology to improve on the non-SHVS Ciaz's fuel efficiency, which is still an appreciable 26.2kpl.

3. Maruti Baleno – 27.39kpl

The Maruti Baleno (diesel) is the latest premium hatchback from India's largest carmaker. It is a great combination of style, a generous list of features as well as fuel efficiency.

3. Honda Jazz – 27.3kpl

The Honda Jazz is close at the Celerio's heels when it comes to fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre diesel is powerful enough for the car but frugal enough to ensure low fuel bills.

3. Tata Tiago – 27.28kpl

With an ARAI fuel efficiency rating of 27.28kpl, the Tiago diesel sits in the middle of the list of most efficient cars in the country. Mileage aside, the car also offers great value with a spacious and well-appointed cabin and an aggressive price tag.

3. Maruti Ignis – 26.8kpl

Maruti's latest is quirky, different, refreshing and unsurprisingly very fuel efficient. Powered by the same 1.3-litre diesel engine as most other Marutis in India, theis continues to offer a combination of premium features, comfort and fuel frugality. 

3. Ford Figo (Diesel) – 25.83kpl

Ford's refreshed Figo, with the 1.5-litre diesel engine under its hood, is not only very frugal but also comes with a good amount of safety kit and a long feature list. 

3. Ford Figo Aspire (Diesel) – 25.83kpl

Ford's Figo-based compact sedan gets everything the hatchback does, including the big fuel efficiency number, with the addition of a boot. 

3. Honda Amaze (Diesel) – 25.8kpl 

Honda's compact sedan has won much acclaim for its roomy interiors and punchy engine. It also received a facelift recently, arming it with sharper looks and better features, making for a great value proposition. 

3. Honda City (Diesel) – 25.6kpl

The all-aluminium diesel engine from Honda is very fuel efficient and offers a good low and mid-end performance. It is a great car for pottering about town. Honda refreshed its bestseller earlier this year with more features and an all-new top-end variant. 

*Disclaimer: This list has been compiled on the basis of manufacturer-claimed fuel efficiency figures, obtained in ARAI testing conditions. These fuel efficiency numbers are what the cars would deliver in ideal conditions. The real results in everyday driving on Indian roads are likely to be lower.