Three most fuel-efficient MUVs in India

Multi-utility vehicles or multi-purpose vehicles these days are as much about fuel efficiency as they are about space. Along with the ability to carry seven people, multi-utility vehicles are expected to also be fuel efficient. In the past year, there have been some significant launches in the MPV space that have played the fuel efficiency card pretty well.

CarToq picks the three most fuel-efficient MUVs in India, updating an earlier compilation we had done, where the list looked a lot different before the recent launches. Also read: Most fuel-efficient MPVs in India: A compilation

Maruti Ertiga (Diesel)

Claimed fuel efficiency: 20.7 kmpl

Price: Rs. 7.36 lakh – Rs. 8.56 lakh

The Maruti Ertiga is one of the more popular MPVs now, after its launch and rightly so. It has a good mix of providing car-like comfort, with the space and flexibility of an MPV. It is a seven seater, but is better used as a five seater because of the slightly cramped space in the last row. It is still a highly practical vehicle. The diesel variant is powered by a 1.3 litre multijet diesel engine putting out 89 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque with a five-speed manual transmission. The top-end variant comes with all creature comforts and safety features such as airbags and ABS, while the base variant is plain and functional with only AC and power steering. Also read: Maruti Ertiga road test and review

 

Nissan Evalia

Claimed fuel efficiency: 19.3 kmpl

Price: Rs. 8.49 lakh – Rs. 9.99 lakh

The Nissan Evalia may have more van-like styling, but it is hugely practical. And it is highly fuel efficient was well, with plenty of space for seven passengers and luggage. It is powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine putting out 84 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque with a five-speed manual transmission. The sliding doors to access the rear seat and the large hatch allow for plenty of flexibility in the Evalia, making it a vehicle ideal to transport passengers and luggage or cargo. However, the lack of fully openable side windows would mean that you will need to run the AC at most times in the Evalia. Thankfully, with the AC on too, it is still reasonably fuel efficient. Also read: Nissan Evalia road test and review

 

Mahindra Quanto

Claimed fuel efficiency: 17.2 kmpl

Price: Rs. 5.82 lakh – Rs. 7.36 lakh

The Mahindra Quanto is one of the more fuel-efficient MPVs around, with a claimed efficiency of 17.2 kmpl. Real world conditions throw up a figure of over 15 kmpl, which is good. It is a compact MPV, under 4-metres in length, but is still a seven seater – although it is best as a five seater with the two jump seats in the boot to be used only occasionally. The Quanto is powered by a three-cylinder, 1.5 litre diesel engine that puts out 100 PS (99 bhp) of power and 240 Nm of torque, with a twin-scroll turbo, which helps eliminate turbo lag. It has a five-speed manual transmission and is based on the Mahindra Xylo platform. The Quanto is being targeted at premium hatchback buyers with aggressive pricing. Also read: Mahindra Quanto road test and review