5 Most Fuel Efficient Diesel MPVs that Money Can Buy in India

Snapshot – In a country that worships fuel efficiency, it’s funny that the MPV that returns the least mileage in this top five list is a best seller. Well, this is the story of the Toyota Innova, one of the best selling MPVs in the country. The mileage applecart has just been upset with the impending arrival of the Lodgy. This means that we need to take a relook at what India’s diesel MPVs deliver per liter of diesel they sip.

Honda Mobilio

The Honda Mobilio is the most fuel efficient MPV in the country, with its all-aluminium 1.5 liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine (98.6 Bhp-200 Nm) pushing it to an ARAI certified mileage figure of 24.5 Kmpl. This stellar number hasn’t ensured sales success for this people mover though. The Mobilio finishes behind the Ertiga and the Innova in terms of numbers at the hustings. The MPV is also sold with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC petrol motor that gives it long legs indeed. In terms if outright performance, the Mobilio in Petrol rules the roost in MPV territory.

Renault Lodgy

The Renault Lodgy is due in weeks from now. This people mover uses the 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel motor, known to be a solid workhorse, in two states of tune. With a fixed geometry turbocharger, this motor makes 84 Bhp-200 Nm and goes 21.04 Kmpl. The higher, variable geometry turbocharger equipped state of tune sees the engine do 108 Bhp-245 Nm and deliver 19.98 Kmpl. The Lodgy will not be sold with a petrol motor in India though the MPV is available with two petrol options in Europe.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is India’s best selling MPV. Mileage though, isn’t the MPV’s strongest suit, with a 20.77 Kmpl ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure. The 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet diesel engine that powers the Ertiga outputs 90 Bhp-200 Nm and uses a variable geometry turbocharger. The Ertiga is a seven seater, albeit a cramped one at that. However, the Maruti Suzuki badge on the bonnet and the various perks that come with this badge is a reason for the strong performance of this people mover. The Ertiga is also sold with Petrol and CNG-Petrol fuel options.

Mahindra Xylo

The Mahindra Xylo comes with two engine options, the 2.5 liter NEF CRDe and 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel units. Interestingly, the more powerful diesel motor also delivers better mileage, with a 14.02 Kmpl fuel efficiency number. Notably, the Xylo uses a ladder frame chassis that adds quite a bit of weight to the MPV, quite unlike the monocoque bodies of the Ertiga, Lodgy and Mobilio. Also, the Mahindra people mover is rear wheel driven. The Xylo, in its latest iteration, has received a major facelift that has significantly improved the ride and handling of this people mover.

Toyota Innova

 

The Toyota Innova is one of the best selling MPVs in India, selling well mainly for its terrific reliability and fuss free demeanor. The Innova doesn’t fare well in the mileage stakes though, managing to eke out 12.99 Kmpl from the 2.5 liter D-4D turbo diesel motor, which is in a relaxed 100 Bhp-200 Nm state of tune. The Innova’s ladder frame chassis and rear wheel drive layout add quite some weight to this people mover. Yet, the Innova sells mainly on the strengths of reliability and badge value.