India’s fastest accelerating, affordable diesel hatchbacks, Ford Figo S to Maruti Baleno

Diesel engines are looked down by most enthusiasts but the heavy low-end torque of diesel engines make them fun to drive. A lot of affordable and quick diesel vehicles are available in India for the people who are looking for affordable running costs and a quick vehicle. Here are five best accelerating diesel vehicles from the Indian market that are also pocket-friendly.

Ford Figo S

0-100 km/h time: 10.55 seconds

Ford has always been known for making driving enthusiast-centric cars. The Figo is another good example of the same. Ford launched the S version of the regular Figo last year that gets improved suspension and larger 15-inch wheels that improve the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

The diesel engine of the Figo is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that produces a maximum power of 99 Bhp – 215 Nm. It is one of the quickest diesel hatchbacks in the country and can do 0-100 km/h in 10.55 seconds. The Figo S diesel is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Volkswagen Polo GT TDI

0-100 km/h time: 10.27 seconds

Volkswagen launched the Polo GT TDI soon after the launch of GT TSI in the market. The GT TDI was one of the first affordable diesel hot hatchbacks in the Indian market. The car is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that generates a maximum of 103 Bhp – 205 Nm. It only gets a manual transmission option, unlike its petrol sibling that gets a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Honda Jazz

0-100 km/h time: 11.4 seconds

Honda Jazz was launched in an all-new avatar sometime back. The premium hatchback is powered by both petrol and diesel engine options but the diesel engine is full 2 seconds quicker than the petrol engine. The Honda Jazz is powered by a 1.5-litre iDTEC diesel engine that produces a maximum of 98 Bhp and 200 Nm. The Jazz diesel is only available with a manual transmission. The quick Jazz also offers roomy interiors and a slew of features that makes it quite practical.

Hyundai Elite i20

0-100 km/h time: 11.94 seconds

The Hyundai Elite i20 is one of the best lookings cars in the segment. Hyundai loads the Elite i20 with a long list of features that make it a very attractive package. The Elite i20 diesel is powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine that generates a maximum of 89 Bhp – 220 Nm. It gets a manual transmission. The Elite i20 is a well-rounded product in terms of performance and features.

Maruti Baleno

0-100 km/h: 13.2 seconds

The Maruti Baleno became the best selling vehicle in its segment soon after its launch. The premium hatchback is a first from Maruti and has gained massive market share. The Baleno does not get a very powerful engine but the new HEARTECT platform makes it very lightweight, which makes it quick off the mark. The Maruti Baleno diesel is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine that churns out a maximum power of 74 bhp- 190 Nm. The Baleno diesel is also one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the market with ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of 27.39 km/l.