Saying fuel rates are high in India is an understatement. Over the last 19 months, petrol prices have been hiked to Rs. 36 per litre, while diesel has gone up by about Rs. 27 per litre. While the Government did make some minor reductions in excise duties last month, the reduction was only a marginal relief to consumers. Right now, petrol prices stand at nearly Rs. 110 per litre in Mumbai, and Rs. 95.41 per litre. At such times, for most of us planning to buy a car, fuel efficiency would be a high priority. So, as 2021 comes to end, we decided to take a look at some of the most fuel-efficient cars launched this year. Considering most of the mass-market cars launched this year, were petrol-only models, for this list we stuck to petrol cars.
With an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 26.68 kmpl, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is currently the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio has always been among the most fuel-efficient cars sold in India, and the new-gen model that was launched recently took that legacy forward. With an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 26.68 kmpl, the Celerio is currently the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India. In some cases, better than some diesel cars as well in the compact hatch segment. It is the VXI AGS variant that offers the highest fuel efficiency of 26.68 kmpl. The Zxi+ MT trim is the least fuel-efficient variant, offering 24.97 kmpl, still more than the rest of the models on this list.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift returns an average fuel efficiency of 23.76 kmpl, according to ARAI
While the new-gen Swift was launched in 2018, earlier this year Maruti Suzuki launched the facelifted version of the car, which qualifies it to be part of this list. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most popular cars in the country, and it was the best-selling passenger vehicle in India in FY2021. And its fuel-efficient engine is one of the key USPs for this success. The compact hatchback returns an average fuel efficiency of 23.76 kmpl, according to ARAI.
The Renault Kwid's 1.0-litre AMT version offers an ARAI certified fuel-efficiency figure of 22 kmpl
Earlier this year, even Renault India introduced the updated 2021 Model Year (MY) Kwid. While the updates made to the car were only cosmetic, the Renault Kwid continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the entry-level space. The car's 1.0-litre AMT version offers an ARAI certified fuel-efficiency figure of 22 kmpl, which is quite an impressive number.
The Renault Kiger's 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine offers an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 20.53 kmpl
2021 also witnessed the launch of the all-new Renault Kiger. It is the first subcompact SUV from the carmaker and is based on the same CMF-A+ platform at the Triber. The Kiger is offered in two petrol engine options - a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated motor and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine - it is the manual version of the latter that offers the high, ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 20.53 kmpl. The former offers 19.17 kmpl, still more than the car in the fifth spot on this list.
The Tata Motors only comes with a petrol engine under the hood, and that offers an ARAI certified average fuel efficiency of 18.97 kmpl
The Tata Punch was one of the highly anticipated cars that went on sale in India this year. The micro-SUV, based on the company's ALFA platform is good-looking, comes with smart features, and also holds a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. It only comes with a petrol engine under the hood, and that offers an ARAI certified average fuel efficiency of 18.97 kmpl.
Disclaimer: The fuel efficiency figures mentioned above are ARAI certified figures. Real-world figures may differ.
