Top Best Diesel Hatchbacks In India: Price Range Rs 4 lakhs To 6 Lakhs

Note: Mileage mentioned are average ARAI measured figures. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Tata Indica V2

When it comes to low cost diesel cars Tata Motors rules the roost. And the cheapest diesel car you could purchase in India is the Tata Indica V2. The entry level car's low maintenance cost, utilitarian design and most importantly low cost is the reason for it being a popular Taxi choice. The deep rooted image of a taxi does not make the Indica V2 a desirable family car.

For: Low maintenance, spacious
Against: Looks and design, poor build quality

Tata Indica V2

Offered only in two diesel variants
Price starts at INR 4.19 lakhs
Mileage: 18 kmpl
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Indica eV2

The Indica eV2 is essentially the V2 in terms of design. However, the BS4 engine is more efficient and delivers more power. In fact, it's counted among the most fuel efficient cars in India. Added stickers and colours make it better to own compared to Indica V2.

For: Low maintenance, high fuel efficiency, spacious
Against: Same as Indica V2

Tata Indica eV2

Offered in two variants
Price starts at INR 4.46 lakhs
Mileage: 25 kmpl
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Tata Indica Vista Tech

The Vista Tech is the limited edition model. That's because it will soon be replaced by the all new Bolt. The Vista Tech is an updated version of the old model with a reworked engine that's now more refined and more powerful.

Furthermore, the Tech also receives premium features such as driver Information System and touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation.

For: Performance and features offered, interior space
Against: Poor fit and finish for the money,will soon be replaced by the Bolt.

Tata Indica Vista

Offered in 3 variants
Price starts at INR 4.78 lakhs
Mileage: 19.1 kmpl
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Chevrolet Beat

Chevy Beat is powered by a 936cc engine, the smallest diesel engine of any car in the country. Despite its size the Beat diesel is low on vibration, powerful and almost perfect on all counts for a small city car. It's spirity and easy to maneuver in the city. The two most desirable aspect of the car for us, however, is its chic design and mileage. The top end variant is also high on features, including safety.

For: Mileage, design, easy to maneuver in city traffic, good amount of equipments and features on high end variant
Against: Low interior space, small rear window may not be for everyones liking, small engine is not suited for highway driving.

Chevrolet Beat

Offered in four variants
Price starts at INR 4.74 lakhs
Mileage: 25.44 kmpl
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Ford Figo

The Figo is perhaps the most popular car Ford has ever sold in India and for a reason. The car is one of the most spacious in its category, with space enough for five adults. It's not the sportiest hatches in India, but performs well on most occasions, including on the highway.

For: Space, steering, good air-conditioning
Against: Suspension is not the most comfortable on bumpy roads

Ford Figo

Offered in four variants
Price starts at INR 4.88 lakhs
Mileage: 20 kmpl
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Maruti Suzuki Ritz

Maruti Ritz is much like the Swift. Yet, the tall boy design makes it the more practical option. The car's design, to be specific, the rear, is more of a love it or hate it thing. The diesel engine is reliable and smooth, offering decent mileage. Then there is Maruti's splendid after sales service to look forward to.

For: Tall boy design, engine, practical
Against: Once again the design, interior quality could have been better.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz

Offered in four variants
Price starts at INR 5.42 lakhs
Mileage: 23.2 kmpl
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Hyundai Grand i10

Grand i10, which is essentially the next-gen i10, takes all the positives from the i10 and makes them better. The Grand i10 offers plenty of equipments and features, handles well both in city and highway, offers more interior space than the i10 and lastly, is powered by an excellent 1.1 liter diesel engine. Maruti Swift will lose many potential owners to the Grand i10.

For: Best in class fit and finish inside and outside, engine, features and equipments
Against: Nothing really. It's not the sportiest of hatchbacks, but then it is not required to be.

Hyundai Grand i10

Offered in five variants
Price starts at INR 5.25 lakhs
Mileage: 24 kmpl
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Nissan Micra

Nissan gave a fresh lease of life to the Micra with the facelift. The car now looks more sportier, thanks to the ‘V' grille. The diesel engine is good, but not great and does not offer the best highway performance. Having said that, the engine is relatively quiet for a diesel unit. The car is still great for city driving thanks to light steering.

For: Excellent features and equipments - engine Start/Stop, keyless entry, front airbags on all variants, styling, build quality, light steering .
Against: Nothing particularly wrong about the car, but Nissan's after sales service is still comparatively poor.

Nissan Micra

Offered in five variants
Price starts at INR 5.57 lakh
MIleage: 23 kmpl
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Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift is popular not only in India by also in other European and Asian markets. This is largely because of the sporty design, excellent engine with impressive mileage. Good suspensions mean the car handles well both in city traffic and on the highway. However, the car is pricy compared to competitors, especially Hyundai Grand i10, which offers better value (equipment and features) for money.

For: Engine, mileage, performance, handling.
Against: Pricy, low boot space, underperforming brakes (especially during high speed highway cruising), some might find the design boring and ageing.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Offered in three variants
Price starts at INR 5.58 lakhs
Mileage: 22.9 kmpl
More info

When it comes to selecting the top car from this list there is no single winner. That depends on your personal preferences based on design, fuel economy, features and most of all value for money. Having said that, for us its Hyundai Grand i10 that's beats the competition.