Nine Diesel Hatches to choose from
Best Diesel Car: Diesels have come a long way from taxicab options to a mainstream choice over the last decade. Many diesel cars today have a waiting period compared to freely available petrol/cng/lpg alternatives.
7. Maruti Swift DDIS: At this price consumers expect a better build quality. Rear seat space is at a premium and average sized adults will feel cramped. It's a sad decision from Suzuki to not provide climate control on the diesel version. A 3 months waiting period shows resale will be good but the way Maruti is handling the waiting period charging customers a premium is sad. Ride is not the best in the segment. Many important features are lacking compared to competition. Stereo options are also ancient.
4. Fiat Punto Multi-jet: The world reknowned diesel engine makes more power than Swift or Ritz but the heavy weight mars performance. light and wiper stalks are interchanged and will take getting used to. Some plastic bits in the cabin need quailty upgrade. steering slightly heavy and lacks telescopic adjustment.
Best in class interior build quality and ergonomics. Looks modern and beautiful. Multi function display is par for the course. Tilt and telescopic steering along with seat height adjustment gets you the best seating position as per size, shape and gender. Remote locking system lets you operate the windows too and its a unique feature in this segment. ABS and Airbags are standard safety features for this segment. 64-40 split seats help in added flexibility. 15-inch alloys aid in driving and visual dynamics.
The proven 1.4 diesel engine does duty on Fiesta and Ikon too and performs much better than what the figures suggest on paper. At higher speeds this engine can outperform even the likes of Hyundai Verna. Like every other ford car this too is an extremely fun to drive car. 60-40 split folding seats are standard for this segment and so is the multi information display. ABS and Airbags at this price range is available in all cars. integrated stereo has Bluetooth integration, usb and aux in.
1. Tata Indica Vista: Alloy wheels not available even on top-end versions. Tilt steering and height adjustment are present but telescopic option is not present. Climate control is not present which is strongly needed in Indian climates.
Proven and tested Fiat engine from Punto, Palio, Swift and Ritz is also found here. ABS with EBD are standard for this segment. 60-40 split rear seats par for the segment. rear power outlet is a thoughtful touch. Integrated stereo system is a Blaupunkt unit with Bluetooth, usb and aux input.
Why choose diesel? Diesel is cheaper than petrol, available almost anywhere, diesel cars are frugal compared to petrol and engines are built for higher mileage.
Why avoid? The current range of common rails are yet to be as quick as petrol counterparts. The loss of rattle is a welcome change but those with sensitive ears will still be annoyed. Additionally if your car doesnt cover more than 10,000 kms on an average, you will end up paying more in the long run.
9. Hyundai I20 CRDI: The most expensive hatchback (not considering Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Beetle.) Sunroof is available at an extra cost. Aux-in and USB options along with steering mounted buttons are at par with the competition but at this price Bluetooth should be available. Performance hampered by poor ratios and doesnt feel spirited to drive considering the 90 bhp it makes. Handling prowess nothing to talk about. Base model doesnt offer much and fully loaded Asta too expensive.
Extremely practical and has 5star NCAP rating for safety (curtain airbags are an exclusive option in this segment). Tilt and Telescopic steering along with height adjustment is convenient for fitting all size,shapes and genders behind the steering wheel. I totally adore the cooled glove box which can keep things chilled for the hot Indian climate and so is the addition of rear a/c vents. Multi information display is standard. Auto A/c also wins this car some brownie points keeping the Indian climate in mind. Extremely good ride comfort.
ARAI certified Average: 21.93 kmpl
cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.80
ex-showroom abad: 6,46,064 (base model prices subject to change)
monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually: Rs. 12,573.47 estimated
You can play mix and match with the seats to use the generous space at your will. From a distance it looks like the Honda CR-V and gives impression of being much more expensive. 15-inch Alloy wheels with Indian tubeless tyres (avoid Kanda tyres of Oriental make) gel well with the butched look along with the side steppings, tyre on the tailgate and roof rails. ABS with EBD is a nice addition for a tall car. The only rear wheel drive in this bunch. Trusted Peugeot TUD5 engine is old school but Premier has worked hard to make the engine capable enough for city driving and that occassional off-roading.
ARAI certified average: N/A 18.95 kmpl estimated
Cost per kilometer: 2.08
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,25,000 (base model prices subject to change)
monthly ownership cost over 5 year covering 12000 kms annually: Rs.10,839.70 estimated
The best integration of the fiat engine in an Indian car, the engine feels refined and fun to drive with well mated gear ratios. The car is fun to drive and the turbo surge is exhilirating. Steering compliments the handling and makes good drivers out of an average person. Mostly selling on the basis of word of mouth publicity and brand image but better options clearly out there.
ARAI certified average: 21.7 kmpl estimated
Cost per kilometer: 1.82
ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,94,176 (base model prices subject to change)
monthly ownership cost over 5 year covering 12000 kms annually: Rs.10,061.15 estimated
6. Skoda Fabia: Just shy of Hyundai i20's price, Skoda's Fabia has just a puny Pump Deuse diesel engine with only as much as the Premier Rio which is itself outdated, and much less power than the Hyundai. The 1.2 polo diesel engine will be a welcome change. Stereo lacks the necessary features such as Bluetooth or usb but has reverse parking control.
The car is built like a tank and will keep the occupants safe.The interior build quality is the best in the segment. Top end version includes reverse parking indicators, sun roof and projector headlamps. Tilt and telescopic steering coupled with height adjustment make it conveninent for all sizes, shapes and genders. ABS and airbags are standard at this price. The gearshift is the best in business. The a/c is powerful and also has rear a/c vents to keep you cocooned from the outside heat but at this price automatic a/c will be a welcome addition. Cooled glove box to keep things chilled wins brownie points. Mutli function display standard at this price point. Illumination in glove box and luggage compartment a thoughtful touch. Excellent ride and handling will shame some bigger luxury cars such as Accord. One touch automatic and bounce back operation for all windows is an excellent feature.
ARAI certified average: 20.12 kmpl
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.96
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 6,06,892 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 12,083.05 estimated
5. Maruti Ritz DDIS: Maruti-Suzuki needs to cut on that boomerang tail lights first and foremost. Lack of climate control is a sore point and so is the lack of rear a/c vents and glove box chiller. Audio lacks usb or bluetooth options but steering mounted controls keep up with competition.
The 60-40 split rear seat is a nice touch. Waterfall centre console is handy and buttons fall in hand. Seat height adjust and tilt steering standard but lacks telescopic adjustment. ABS with EBD and Airbags are standard for this segment. The proven fiat engine does good job here compared to Palio stile (discontinued), and Fiat punto. Add on tachometer is an excellent feature. Interiors better built than swift.
ARAI certified average: 21.1 kmpl
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.87
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,85,871 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9,974.64 estimated
killer looks, 15-inch alloys aid in already excellent handling dynamics. Automatic a/c a standard feature and chills well. 60-40 folding seats a thoughtful feature. Ride is amongst the best in class. ABS and EBD along with dual airbags a standard for the segment. steering mounted audio controls along with bluetooth and usb make for an excellent add on. multi information display is also a standard feature.
ARAI certified average: 19.9 kmpl
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.98
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,20,481 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 10,664.63 estimated
3. Volkswagen Polo: It's a close fight between the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo with the Polo just falling short. Lacks climate control. Integrated stereo lacks Bluetooth or usb or stereo mounted controls.
Best in class interior build quality and ergonomics. Looks modern and beautiful. Multi function display is par for the course. Tilt and telescopic steering along with seat height adjustment gets you the best seating position as per size, shape and gender. Remote locking system lets you operate the windows too and its a unique feature in this segment. ABS and Airbags are standard safety features for this segment. 64-40 split seats help in added flexibility. 15-inch alloys aid in driving and visual dynamics.
ARAI certified average: 22.07 kmpl estimated
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.79
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 5,42,000 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 10,827.62 estimated
2. Ford Figo: The verdict is in. Ford Figo is a success with 7210 units sold in march. The interior design is a mixed bag and not everyone will like it. Alloys wheels are sorely missed but then ford has priced the Figo much below the competition. Climate control as an option in top-end model will be a welcome addition. Rear door doesn't have power windows even on top end. dead pedal will be missed.
The proven 1.4 diesel engine does duty on Fiesta and Ikon too and performs much better than what the figures suggest on paper. At higher speeds this engine can outperform even the likes of Hyundai Verna. Like every other ford car this too is an extremely fun to drive car. 60-40 split folding seats are standard for this segment and so is the multi information display. ABS and Airbags at this price range is available in all cars. integrated stereo has Bluetooth integration, usb and aux in.
ARAI certified average: 20 kmpl estimated
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.98
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,57,853 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9,610.883 estimated
Proven and tested Fiat engine from Punto, Palio, Swift and Ritz is also found here. ABS with EBD are standard for this segment. 60-40 split rear seats par for the segment. rear power outlet is a thoughtful touch. Integrated stereo system is a Blaupunkt unit with Bluetooth, usb and aux input.
ARAI certified average: 22.29 kmpl estimated
Cost per kilometer: Rs. 1.77
Ex-showroom price Ahmedabad: 4,46,637 (base model price subject to change)
Monthly ownership cost over 5 years covering 12000 kms annually : Rs. 9220.53 estimated
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