Among the first concerns for Indian consumers of cars have always been running expenses and fuel economy. Given average petrol prices in most cities of Rs 100, it is hardly surprising why most people give fuel efficiency top priority. Although Maruti Suzuki has long dominated on this front, buyers now have some more choices thanks to the recent flood of some robust hybrid cars from Toyota and Honda.

From lowest to greatest, we have created a list of the top 10 most fuel-efficient petrol cars now on sale. The list is based on official ARAI numbers published by manufacturers; actual figures could vary depending on driving conditions and style. We have average of both values for models with manual and automatic gears. 

Car Reviews For Fuel Efficiency

1. Maruti Suzuki Fronx/Toyota Taisor, 22.34kpl

Shared with its hatchback cousin, Maruti Fronx is a coupe-crossover variant of the Baleno driven by a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine. Combining the fuel economy of 21.79kpl for the manual gearbox and 22.89kpl for the AMT one, this engine claims ARAI. The Fronx also boasts a more potent 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This is far less efficient, though, since it generates a total figure of 20.75kpl by returning 21.50kpl with the manual and 20.01kpl with the automatic transmission. The Toyota Taisor, its badge-engineered twin, likewise boasts exactly the same claimed fuel economy.

2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno/Toyota Glanza, 22.64kpl

Shared by the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza are a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine matched to either manual or AMT transmission. Although the manual variants have an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 22.35kpl, the AMT versions have a claimed efficiency of 22.94kpl, so producing a combined value of 22.64kpl. Although the petrol engine is polished and good in town, its mid-range is poor and it must be cranked out for overtaking. Though the AMT is not quite up to class standards, the light clutch and smooth manual make driving comfortable. Both of these models have somewhat less curb weight and a hatchback body design that helps them to be somewhat more efficient than the Fronx and Taisor combination. 

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3. Toyota Innova Hycross/Maruti Invicto – 23.24kpl

Together with a single electric motor drawing power from a 1.6kWh battery, the pair of the Innnova Hycross and Invicto share their 2.0-liter, normally aspirated petrol engine operating the efficient Atkinson cycle. Claimed ARAI fuel efficiency is 23.24kpl and the powerplant is matched to an e-CVT gearbox. The powertrain starts on battery power by default; the petrol engine kicks in to either recharge the battery or offer an extra punch. The petrol engine takes control as speeds rise with the battery motor providing electrical support. Still, this powerplant prefers to be driven slowly and hates rushing.

4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 23.69kpl

Among the smallest sedans on the market, the Dzire is the most fuel-efficient one. Driven by the K-Series 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine from the former Swift, the Dzire's manual version claims 23.26kpl while the automatic versions return 23.69kpl. The Dzire is a good all-rounder with a spacious, well-equipped cabin, polite driving style, and a refined powertrain with fair performance. Later this year, it is set for a generation update when it will acquire the new, far more efficient Z-Series engine from the new Swift.

5. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 – 24.65kpl.

Right now the most reasonably priced vehicle available in India is the Alto K10. The 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine returns an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 24.39kpl for the manual version and 24.9kpl for the automatic, so averaging 24.65kpl even if the Alto is no longer the bargain proposition it once was. The pleasant ownership experience is clearly a benefit, but the Alto's higher variations are currently somewhat expensive for an entry-level car. This engine feels really zippy and dynamic in the Alto. 

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6. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0 - 24.77kpl

Apart from its space-efficient interior and practicality, the tall-boy Wagon-R hatchback from Maruti Suzuki is also a quite cheap car to run. It features two choices for petrol engines. The manual version has a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine with a claimed fuel efficiency of 24.35kpl; the automatic one delivers 25.19kpl, therefore providing a combined average of 24.77kpl. Then there is the bigger 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, with an average of 23.9kpl, which is rather less efficient.

7. Maruti Suzuki Swift at 25.30kpl.

Comprising an all-new Z Series, 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, the fourth-generation Swift is For the manual version, it claims 24.80kpl in fuel economy; for the automatic one, 25.75kpl. The average is therefore 25.30kpl, a 3kpl increase over the last model. Although the Swift's new three-pot engine generates 1Nm less than the departing four-cylinder K-Series unit and 8hp, economy always took front stage. With each cylinder now measuring 400cc in capacity, Maruti Suzuki's has achieved its high fuel economy aim and is regarded as the sweet spot for the volumetric efficiency of a cylinder. 

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8. Maruti Suzuki Celerio - 25.96kpl.

Right now, the most efficient pure-petrol automobile you might find in the nation is the Celerio. It is driven by the very economical DualJet K10 1.0-litre petrol engine and rests on the lightweight Heartect platform. With a rated ARAI fuel efficiency of up to 25.24kpl for the manual version and 26.68kpl for the automatic transmission, the Celerio averages 25.96kpl. Driven and lived with easily, the reasonably priced Celerio is a decent hatchback.