India’s fastest accelerating diesel cars & SUVs below 15 lakhs: 2016 Edition

Gone are the times when diesel vehicles were considered as slow and lifeless. With the introduction of common rail technology, today’s diesels are right there with their petrol counterparts when it comes to performance, and in some cases even better. Here are the fastest accelerating diesel vehicles, segment wise:

Hatchback

Ford Figo

10.55 seconds

The Figo has gained the attention of a lot of enthusiasts ever since the product was unveiled. While the previous generation version had the best handling charecteristics you would find in a hatch, the new one adds power to that equation as well. So the Figo is powered by a 1.5 liter engine making 99 Bhp and 215 Nm. It has been highly rated by all the professional racers who have driven it on the track. The Figo manages the 0-100 run in 10.55 seconds, making it one of the fastest diesel hatchbacks on sale in the country today.

VW Polo GT TDi

11.52 seconds

The Polo GT TDi comes in a close second place. While the previous 1.6 liter engine used to manage to 0-100 in under 11 seconds, this one does it in 11.52 seconds. Power comes from a 1.5 liter engine making 103 Bhp and 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, same as that on the Figo.

Sedans

Hyundai Verna

9.72 seconds

It was known that Hyundai makes some really fast and potent vehicles in a straight line and this one is no exception. The Verna is powered by a 1.6 liter engine making 126 Bhp and 259 Nm. The engine comes with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed autobox. According to figures published by Autocar India, the Verna manages a 0-100 time of 9.72 seconds, making it quicker than the Rapid and the Vento. The one tested was the manual one.

Ford Aspire

11.03 seconds

Since the Figo is among the fastest accelerating hatchbacks, its sibling the Aspire cannot be left behind now, can it? The Aspire is powered by a 1.5 liter engine making 99 Bhp and 215 Nm. The engine is extremely punchy and responsive.

VW Vento/ Skoda Rapid 

11.90 seconds

Volkswagen AG siblings, the Rapid and the Vento are powered by the same 1.5 liter engine making 108 Bhp and 250 Nm. Though these figures have just been updated, we have the 0-100 times of the older vehicle, which produced 5 Bhp less. When mated to the manual gearbox, the Rapid and Vento managed to do the 0-100 dash in 11.90 seconds making it third on the list. Both are pretty good when it comes to driving dynamics as well.

Figures for the Ameo aren’t here yet but we are sure that it will make it to this list the next time around given that it weighs lesser than the Vento.

SUV

Hyundai Creta

10.81 seconds

The Creta has always been known as a powerful SUV. It get’s the same 1.6 liter CRDi engine from the Verna which means that it produces 126 Bhp and 259 Nm. This makes the Creta the fastest accelerating SUV below the 15 lakh mark. 0-100 comes up in a quick 10.81 seconds which is pretty commendable. The Creta also happens to be one of the most feature loaded SUVs in the segment. If you are on a lookout for a really quick compact SUV, this one has to be your pick.

Maruti S Cross 1.6

11.50 seconds

The understated S Cross features second on this list. Surprised? Well the S Cross is powerd by a 1.6 liter engine making 118 Bhp and 320 Nm. This dispatches 0-100 in 11.50 seconds, which isn’t all that bad either. The S Cross is an extremely practical vehicle, given the space the vehicle offers. The only reason why it isn’t selling as well as the Creta is mainly down to the fact that the car doesn’t look all that imposing. It is a lot more like a raised and extended hatchback than an outright SUV.

*All figures courtesy Autocar India magazine.