Best Diesel Hatchback Models

The Hyundai Grand i10 is slotted between the entry-level Eon and the more premium Elite i20. The car showcases the basic form of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy and comes with a neat pair of LED DRLs. The diesel Grand i10 offers good performance for its dimensions while also giving good mileage. Inside, the car gets all the essential features and comfort. The Grand i10 is also one of the cheapest diesel cars on the market.

The Nissan Micra was one of the most feature-loaded hatchbacks in its segment when it was launched back in 2010. It was also one of the first hatchbacks in India to have a start/stop button. Now in its second iteration, the Nissan Micra is also a favourite among cab drivers. The diesel engine in the Micra is sourced from Renault and is a decent performer. The diesel unit is also available mated to a CVT.

The Tata Tiago can be considered as the car which saved Tata Motors from losing their market. With a lot of segment-first features and a brilliant design, the Tiago is one of the best-selling hatchbacks in India. One of the main highlights of the Tata Tiago is its premium Harman audio system. The diesel Revotorq engine of the Tiago is not the smoothest at low RPMs but offers decent performance and mileage in most driving conditions.

The Maruti Swift has been India’s most popular car, ever since its launch in 2005. The Swift has gone through three generations and the latest model was launched at Auto Expo 2018. The new Maruti Swift can be opted with the brand’s long-running diesel engine which offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The Swift diesel now comes with an automatic gearbox option too. Resale value of diesel Swift models has also been good over the years.

The Toyota Etios Liva is the hatchback form of the Etios sedan, specially made for the Indian market. The first-generation Etios was introduced in 2011 and it comes with a decent-performing diesel engine. The current Etios Liva can be opted with dual-tone paint schemes and also sports a set of good-looking alloy wheels. The cabin is spacious and comes with all the basic comfort and safety essentials.

The Ford Figo, especially the diesel variant, offers good performance along with decent mileage. Being a Ford, the Figo has also been developed to be a driver’s car with good steering feedback. The Ford Figo has also got a hot-hatch version, dubbed the Figo S. The Figo S is a stylish package with black accents and a stiffer rear suspension. The Ford Figo is arguably the best-performing diesel hatchback in the country.

The second generation Honda Jazz gets a lot of features and updates compared to its previous version. The diesel Jazz offers strong performance from its 1.5-litre mill while also offering a class-leading mileage figure of around 27km/l. The design of the Jazz makes room for a lot of practicality too. The seats can be adjusted and folded in multiple ways for the most-efficient space utilisation. The diesel engine comes with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual unit.

The Baleno is a premium hatchback from Maruti Suzuki. With upmarket interiors and features, the Maruti Baleno is almost on par with hatchbacks sold in the European market. The Baleno diesel offers good performance, thanks to the car’s lightweight body. The diesel engine also produces less noise compared to its competition, thus promising a relaxed driving experience. The Baleno offers a comfortable seating position along with good interior space.

The Hyundai Elite i20 is the best hatchback from the brand. The Elite i20 facelift was launched at Auto Expo 2018. The new Elite i20 features an updated design, with new headlamp and taillamp clusters. The Elite i20 facelift also gets a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The i20 has been one of the most-preferred diesel hatchbacks in India ever since its introduction in 2008. The 6-speed gearbox ensures good performance on the highway too.

The Volkswagen Polo is the only hatchback sold by the German manufacturer in India. The Polo boasts of class-leading German engineering and offers good performance in its diesel format. The interiors are also well appointed and the seats offer good comfort. The diesel Polo is definitely the better choice than the new underpowered petrol variant. There is also a more fun Polo GT TDi variant which gives a class-leading torque of 250Nm. The GT TDi, however, comes with a 5-speed manual rather than the brand’s reputed 7-speed DSG automatic.