As the huge gap between the prices of petrol and diesel refuses to condense, the Indian buyers find it sensible to go for diesel-run vehicles right, left and centre. Moreover, car makers have been providing favourable deals on diesel vehicles for a long time now. At present, there are a number of diesel cars on offer in the domestic market, of which a few models do stand out from the rest.
Nissan Micra Diesel
The Nissan Micra diesel came to India in December 2010 and currently tops the list of India's most fuel efficient cars. The diesel Micra is equipped with a 1.5 SOHC 4-cylinder 16 valve in-line diesel engine that churns out a maximum power of 63.1 bhp at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 159.8 Nm at 2000 rpm. The engine is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering an excellent fuel efficiency of 23.08 kmpl. The Nissan Micra price starts from Rs. 5.69 lacs.
The new Swift has ensured to negate the shortcomings of its predecessor by bringing in longer, bigger and better dimensions to it. The new Swift diesel comes loaded with a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine, being available in three variants namely, LDI, VDI and ZDI. The diesel engine churns out 75 bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque. The new Swift is 90 mm longer than the older Swift, with a mileage of 22 kmpl for the diesel version. The next generation ABS technology with engine drag control, increased torsional rigidity in body, front dual SRS airbags (only in top-end variant) and auto-unlock brings immense safety to passengers. The price of the new Swift Diesel starts from Rs. 5.17 lacs.
New Skoda Fabia
Carrying the most capacious cabins in the segment, the new Fabia comes with powerful and fuel-efficient engine options. The 1.2 TDI CR diesel engine in the car churns out a peak power of 75 bhp at 4200 rpm and torque of 180 Nm at 2000 rpm. It is assimilated with multi-function display, engine immobiliser with floating code system, remote control locking, ABS, engine braking control and dual rate brake assist, among others. The Skoda Fabia delivers a fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl, and is available at a starting price of Rs. 5.40 lacs.
The Ford Figo was rolled out during September 2009 in the Indian market and with its innovative appeal, along with fascinating interior and exterior features it expects to carve a distinct identity in the market. The powerful engine and aggressive price strategy can prove fatal for the rivals in the hatchback segment. The diesel variant is backed by a 1.4 Duratorq engine that churns out a torque of 160Nm at 2000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission makes its way to the car and provides the much-needed control during off-road conditions. The Figo diesel offers an impressive mileage of 18.5 kmpl and comes with a starting price of Rs. 4.60 lacs.
Ford Fiesta Classic
Ford India has brought in the new Ford Fiesta Classic that carries an all-new interior and special features. The new Ford Fiesta Classic is equipped with a 1.6 Duratec MPFI petrol engine and 1.4 Duratorq CRDI diesel engine. The diesel Ford Fiesta Classic impresses its buyers with a fuel economy of above 18 kmpl.
Hyundai Verna Fluidic
Hyundai introduced the all-new Verna that is built on the lines of its fluidic sculpture philosophy. The new Hyundai Verna boasts of a completely revived body and design. It is available in the new refined 1.4-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The CRDi VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) diesel engine produces a power of 88.7 bhp at 4000 rpm and a torque of 219.9 Nm at 1750 to 2750 rpm. The Fluidic Verna vows to offer an exorbitant mileage of 23.5 kmpl. The fluidic Verna diesel comes with a price tag that starts from Rs. 8.9 lacs.
Thus, diesel cars can expect the favourable trend to continue, primarily because the upcoming government policies do not indicate any relief from the inflating petrol prices in the near future.