Here’s a deep dive into the best mileage cars under Rs. 10 lakhs in India, analyzing ARAI ratings and eco-friendly alternatives
For Indian car buyers, fuel efficiency remains a key consideration even today. The quest for pocket-friendly yet high-performance cars has led many to explore the impressive lineup of vehicles, from brands like Maruti, Tata, and Renault, renowned for their efficiency and affordability.
A single glance at the chart below reveals that Maruti Suzuki dominates the chart of high fuel mileage vehicles under 10 lakh. It’s easy to understand that; the brand has expertise in building affordable vehicles with low kerb weight and powerful yet fuel-efficient engines.
It’s also worth noting that Maruti offers CNG powertrain options on almost all its cars, even the most budget-friendly models. The combination of it all is what makes Maruti the biggest carmaker in India.
Topping the charts with an ARAI-rated mileage of 25.17 kmpl for petrol MT and 26.23 kmpl for petrol AMT, the Celerio sets the standard for economic commuting. The CNG variant boasts an impressive 34.43 km/kg, making it an attractive choice for those inclined towards greener alternatives.
Tata Altroz is the most affordable diesel car in India at the moment, and it’s also the most economical in that category. If you’re a diesel-head or if do long miles and need good performance, diesel still is a better choice compared to CNG. Considering the strictening emissions regulations though, the era of oil-burners might not last too long.
| Model Name | Mileage (ARAI) |
| Maruti Celerio | 25.17 kmpl (petrol MT), 26.23 kmpl (petrol AMT)
34.43 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti WagonR | 24.35 kmpl (1.0 petrol MT), 25.19 kmpl (1.0 petrol AMT)
23.56 kmpl (1.2 petrol MT), 24.43 kmpl (1.2 petrol AMT) 34.05 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti S-Presso | 24.12 kmpl (petrol MT), 25.3 kmpl (petrol AMT)
32.73 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Alto K10 | 24.39 kmpl (petrol MT), 24.9 kmpl (AMT)
33.85 km/kg (CNG) |
| Tata Altroz | 19.14 kmpl (petrol MT), 19.33 kmpl (petrol DCT)
18.5 kmpl (turbo-petrol MT) 23.64 kmpl (diesel) 26.2 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Dzire | 22.41 kmpl (petrol MT), 22.61 kmpl (petrol AMT)
31.12 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Swift | 22.38 kmpl (petrol MT), 22.56 kmpl (petrol AMT)
30.90 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Baleno | 22.35 kmpl (petrol MT), 22.9 kmpl (petrol AMT)
30.61 km/kg (CNG) |
| Renault Kwid | 22.3 kmpl (petrol AMT), 21.46 kmpl (petrol MT) |
| Maruti Fronx | 21.79kmpl (1.2 petrol MT), 22.89kmpl (1.2 petrol AMT)
28.51km/kg (CNG) 20.01kmpl (1.0 petrol MT), 21.5kmpl (1.0 petrol AT) |
Interestingly, even the most affordable vehicles, namely the Maruti Alto, Maruti S-Presso, and Renault Kwid, offer the option for an automatic gearbox. Indian consumers, even though sensitive to cost, are looking for convenience.