Diesel premium hatchbacks are in great demand for two primary reasons: low running costs and features.
CarToq picks the top three premium diesel hatchbacks that offer maximum features for minimum price range. If you are in the market looking for a 'value for money' premium diesel hatchback, here are the options for you.
The Figo Titanium diesel is the least priced variant among the premium hatchbacks. The Figo Titanium is Rs. 82,000 cheaper than the Swift ZDI (Rs. 6.76 lakh), Rs. 1.42 lakh cheaper than the Polo Highline and Rs. 1.48 lakh cheaper than the i20 Asta (Rs. 7.44 lakh).
The Figo Titanium comes with safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD and fog lamps. Other features include music system, Bluetooth connectivity, tachometer and rear defogger.
The Figo diesel is powered by a 1.4-litre TDCi motor that puts out 68 Bhp of power and returns a claimed mileage of 20 Kmpl. The Figo doesn't exhibit much turbo lag and generates enough torque at low rpms making it easy to drive in the city and on the highway.
The Tata Vista is a spacious premium hatchback and is a good value for money proposition too. The Vista ZX is Rs. 46,000 more than the Figo Titanium but it does come with more features such as Blue 5 (can pair 5 mobiles), 2-DIN music system with six speakers.
The Vista ZX safety features include dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. Noteworthy features in the Vista ZX include electric HVAC, 60:40 flip and fold rear seat, remote controlled keyless entry, adjustable headrests for front and rear seats, rear defogger, washer and demister.
The Vista ZX is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel that puts out 74 Bhp of power and returns a claimed mileage of 22.3 Kmpl. The Vista has good torque on tap and if kept in the power band (1,750 rpm – 2,500 rpm), can accelerate quickly to reach three digit speeds. This makes the Vista a good highway cruiser.
The Swift is the undisputable king in the premium diesel hatchback segment. The Swift ZDI is Rs. 82,000 more expensive than the Figo Titanium and Rs. 36,000 more than the Vista ZX.
The Swift ZDI comes with features such as electromagnetic back door opener, rear defogger, driver seat height adjust, seat belt height adjust and automatic climate control. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.
The Swift ZDI is powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS motor that puts out 74 Bhp of power and returns a claimed mileage of 23.4 Kmpl. The Swift engine has initial turbo lag, but once past the 2,000 rpm, it offers strong mid range pull that allows you to maintain steady pace with traffic be it city or highway.
If you are in the market with a budget of Rs. 6 lakh, the most affordable premium hatchback is the Figo Titanium and for about Rs. 46,000 more you can get a Vista ZX. If you can extend the budget by Rs. 82,000 you can get the Swift ZDI.
Other premium hatchbacks could not make it into the list for obvious reasons. For instance, the Ritz VDI ABS lacks airbags, the Micra XV diesel doesn't offer ABS while the Toyota Liva GD variant though has safety features such as airbags and ABS, lacks comfort features such as music system, steering mounted audio controls and automatic climate controls. Cars such as Fabia, i20 and Polo carry an expensive price tag.