Which is the most fuel-efficient sedan sold in India?

Last month, we did a feature on the most efficient hatchbacks sold in India. And now we are moving on a segment higher by making a list of the most efficient sedans available in India. We have taken into account the ARAI fuel-efficiency numbers claimed by different car manufacturers, irrespective of it being petrol or diesel.

Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh

1) Maruti Suzuki Dzire LDI - 28.40kmpl

Topping the list of the most efficient sedans is a Maruti Suzuki car, and it clearly a no-brainer. The new-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire that was recently launched in India delivers a claimed efficiency of 28.40kmpl. The new-age cars from the company come with aluminium block instead of iron block that makes it lighter and leaner. In addition, it comes with common rail unit with turbocharger to help the motor deliver optimum efficiency. Read our all-new 2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire first drive review

2) Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS Sigma diesel - 28.09kmpl

The Dzire is not the only Maruti Suzuki car in this list. Considering the fact that the company always gives fuel efficiency maximum priority, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz delivers 28.09kmpl. Doing duty in the Ciaz are the 1,248cc diesel and the 1,373cc petrol engines. The diesel motor comes start/stop hybrid tech that switches off the ignition if found idling for more than two seconds. In addition, there is regenerative braking and gear shift indicator. Read our Maruti Suzuki Ciaz diesel SHVS road test review

3) Ford Figo Aspire diesel Ambiente - 25.83kmpl

Powering the Ford Figo is the 1.2-litre petrol motor that makes 88PS/112Nm. Whereas the 1.5-litre diesel engine generates 100PS and 215Nm, it is the diesel Ford Figo Aspire that makes it to this list. We believe Ford has worked around tuning the ECU by mapping it more towards fuel efficiency in addition to the impressive torque delivery. The Figo diesel also offers better drivability than the petrol model. For details, read Ford Figo Aspire diesel review.

4) Honda Amaze diesel E MT - 25.8kmpl

Following close to the Ford Figo Aspire, the Amaze delivers 25.8kmpl, claims Honda. The Japanese car manufacturer states that the lightweight i-Dtec diesel motor makes the car lighter and puts lesser burden on the motor. In addition, the low-friction technology that comes in the motor also helps cut energy losses. The company also claims that the diesel motor, with better thermal management, attains ignition temperature faster and that combined with the turbocharger also makes the motor deliver more power. More details here, Honda Amaze review

5) Hyundai Xcent diesel E - 25.4kmpl

Last month, Hyundai launched the 2017 Xcent at Rs 5.38 lakh in India. Apart from the design changes that make it look more upmarket and additional features for the premium appeal, the most important change was the new 1.2-litre diesel motor. This unit replaced the previous 1.1-litre unit. Hyundai claims that the tuning of the motor has been done to deliver more fuel efficiency. More details here, Hyundai Xcent review

Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh

1) Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZDI - 28.40kmpl

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire that made it in the Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh was the LDi variant. The one that features in this category is the top-of-the-line ZDi variant. In addition to a higher efficiency, this variant comes equipped with LED DRLs, dual airbags, reverse parking sensors with camera, engine immobiliser and a touchscreen infotainment system.

2) Maruti Suzuki Ciaz SHVS diesel Delta- 28.09kmpl

The Ciaz that features in this price slab is the Delta variant. This particular variant features automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat and Bluetooth connectivity option.

3) Honda Amaze diesel SX MT - 25.8kmpl

The Amaze was the first car from Honda to feature the i-Dtec diesel engine. The sedan comes equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel unit. While the Amaze that features in the previous list is the E variant, this one is the SX variant. The Honda Amaze SX is equipped with automatic climate control, keyless entry and power adjustable ORVMs.

4) Honda City diesel SV MT - 25.6kmpl

Earlier this year, Honda launched the City facelift in India at Rs 8.49 lakh, ex-showroom. The sedan comes with a choice between 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Honda claims that the diesel motor, with its all-aluminium construction and low-friction technology, delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 25.6kmpl. The state of tunes of the diesel motor has not been altered when compared to that of the previous iteration. For more details, read our Honda City review.

5) Hyundai Xcent diesel SX(O) - 25.4kmpl

The Hyundai Xcent that features in this category is the SX with option pack. In addition to the higher fuel efficiency, this variant of the Hyundai Xcent comes with ABS with EBD, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice assist, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control and keyless entry.

Rs 12 lakh to Rs 25 lakh

1) Honda City diesel VX MT- 25.6kmpl

The variant of the Honda City diesel that makes it to this slab is the VX version. In addition to the efficient motor that delivers a claimed efficiency of 25.6kmpl, this trim of the Honda City comes equipped with electric sunroof, all-LED headlamps, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, 17.7cm touchscreen infotainment system and keyless entry.

2) Hyundai Verna diesel SX(O) - 23.9kmpl

Hyundai cars in India are often known for the comparatively premium appeal. The Verna is one of the most popular offerings in the country from the Korean car manufacturer. The Hyundai Verna is offered with a choice between four engine options - 1.4-litre, 1.6- litre petrol and 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre diesel. Out of these four engine options, it is the 1.6-litre diesel that stands out as the most efficient offering. It is impressive especially when you consider that the same motor puts out 128PS of power. More details on the Hyundai Verna review

3) Hyundai Elantra diesel S - 22.54kmpl

The Hyundai Elantra has always one of the popular C+ segment sedans for its design and features. To top it up, it also gets one of the most efficient mills in this price bracket. The Hyundai Elantra is available with a choice between a 152PS/192Nm 2-litre petrol and 128PS/260Nm 1.6-litre diesel engines. And it is the latter that features in this list. The same motor is also seen in the Creta as well. The common rail unit with variable geometry turbo makes the motor deliver an overall efficiency of 22.54kmpl, claims the company. More details on the Hyundai Elantra here

4) Volkswagen Vento Highline Plus Diesel - 22.27kmpl

Volkswagen brought in the updated Vento earlier this year. The company added a Highline Plus trim which is priced at Rs 10.84 lakh, ex-Mumbai. Among the updates, the important one was the LED headlamps with DRLs making it the second sedan in the segment after the Honda City. Among the three powertrain options offered in the Volkswagen Vento, it is the 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor that delivers a higher claimed efficiency of 22.27kmpl.

5) Volkswagen Vento 2017 Highline Diesel (AT) - 22.15kmpl

Following close behind the automatic is the manual transmission version of the Volkswagen Vento. This version comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Highline variant also comes equipped with features like rain-sensing wipers, tweaked steering wheel design and a new touchscreen infotainment system with the MirrorLink. It gets ABS and dual front airbags as standard fitments.

Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh

1) Toyota Prius 1.8 Z8 - 26.27kmpl

The Toyota Prius is the poster boy of green technology used in automobiles, around the world. Toyota launched the updated Prius early this year at Rs 38.96 lakh, ex-showroom. The powertrain doing duty in the Prius is the 98PS/142Nm 1.8-litre engine paired with a 72PS/163Nm motor. The powertrain gets three modes - Normal, Power and Eco. The performance of the throttle response and the air conditioning is altered according to the different drive modes. Additionally, it is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that makes it lighter and more efficient than before. The Japanese car manufacturer thus claims that the Prius delivers an overall efficiency of 26.27kmpl. Details about the Toyota Prius in our review here.

2) Honda Accord Hybrid - 23.1kmpl

The other hybrid that makes it to this list is the new-gen Accord hybrid, Honda's flagship car in India. The Honda Accord Hybrid too arrived this year at Rs 37 lakh, ex-Delhi. The hybrid system makes use of two motors - one powers the front wheels and other generates electricity. The engine uses cast-iron cylinder liners for durability, and every journal on the forged-steel crankshaft is micro polished for less friction and more combustion efficiency. In Regenerative mode, the propulsion motor converts kinetic energy from the decelerating vehicle into electric energy which recharges the battery. To understand the technology that goes in the Honda Accord Hybrid, click here.

3) Audi A3 35 TDI Premium Plus - 20.7kmpl

The youngest Audi sedan, A3, too makes it to this list with its 141PS 2.0l TDI motor. Audi claims that this motor delivers 20.7kmpl. The German car manufacturer states that there are a series of piezo injectors that use electrical charge to precisely control the fuel injection in the motor. This tech not only makes the motor less audible but also helps in combustion at lower engine temperature with lesser oxygen and emitting lower emissions. Details on the Audi A3 here in our review.

4) BMW 3 Series 20d GT Sport Line - 19.59kmpl

Considered as one of the most dynamic cars to drive, the BMW 3 Series is also one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in its segment. The BMW 3 Series GT's 4-cylinder 2-litre diesel motor puts out 190PS and 400Nm and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It comes with four drive modes, namely Comfort, Ecopro, Sport and Sport +. In the Ecopro mode, the throttle sensitivity is a little dulled, and the system manages the air conditioner to cut down fuel consumption. Details on the BMW 3 Series GT in our road test review here.

5) Jaguar XF Pure Diesel - 19.33kmpl

The Jaguar XF comes with the all-new Ingenium diesel motor. It is the company's first 2.0-litre diesel motor that will find its way in the entire portfolio in the near future. It puts out 180PS and 430Nm and it paired with an 8-speed automatic. The engine and gearbox performance can be adjusted by selecting from Dynamic, Standard, Eco or Rain/Ice/Snow modes, wherein the mappings are changed alter the fuel consumption in different driving conditions. Details on the Jaguar XF here.

Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh

1) Jaguar XF Prestige diesel - 19.33kmpl

If you are looking at a premium sedan that is also efficient at the same time, the Jaguar XF diesel it is. The trim that makes it to this list is the Prestige XF. It comes equipped with LED headlights with DRLs, interior mood lighting, rear-view camera, park assist as well other host of customisation options.

2) Audi A6 2016 Matrix 35 TDI - 18.53kmpl

The Audi A6 is one of the most popular luxury sedans by the German car manufacturer. The company states that the combination of direct injection and turbocharging does not only make the A6 a performer but also an efficient offering. The automobile manufacturer also claims that this motor is also lighter on emissions. And then there are different drive modes to help achieve better fuel efficiency. More details on the Audi A6 in our review here.

3) BMW 5 Series 2016 520d Prestige Plus - 18.12kmpl

While the launch of the 2017 BMW 5 Series is just around the corner, the outgoing luxury sedan was a dynamic performer on various ground. BMW claims that the combination of the common-rail direct injection, multi-stage turbocharging and variable turbine geometry makes the 2.0-litre motor produce 190PS of power. The Ecopro mode optimises throttle, transmission response as well as shift points and also alters the air-conditioner performance in favour of efficiency.

4) Lexus ES 300h - 17.8kmpl

After much anticipation, Lexus finally entered India this year with three offerings. The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid sedan that shares its 2.5-litre powertrain with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The petrol motor is assisted by an electric motor that powers the sedan at lower speeds. It gets three different drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco mode, the engine mapping and the transmission response are relaxed. The ES 300h also comes with regenerative braking wherein kinetic energy from braking or decelerating is converted to electric energy. In addition, it comes with start/stop model that switches off the motor when found idling. More details on the Lexus ES 300h here.

5) Audi A6 Matrix 35 TFSI - 15.26kmpl

Audi A6

And that brings us to the final car of this list. While the Audi A6 already makes it to this list for its diesel model, the petrol too is one of the most efficient luxury sedans that you can get your hands on. The Audi A6 35 TFSI comes with a 1.8-litre 190PS/320Nm motor. Audi claims that the higher compression rate of this motor along with the compact and lighter engine construction result in a higher fuel efficiency.