Fuel efficiency of a car is still a significant factor that many buyers consider before making a purchase. We currently live in a time when SUVs are gaining popularity, especially in the compact SUV segment with models like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos leading the way. Other notable contenders in this segment include Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and the upcoming Honda Elevate. In this article, we will discuss the fuel efficiency of the petrol versions of these SUVs since most of them are now exclusively offered with petrol engines.
Hyundai Creta
Let’s start with the most popular SUV in this segment, the Creta. It has dominated this segment for years, thanks to its premium features and attractive design that appeal to many buyers. The Creta offers two petrol engine options. The first is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 115 PS and 144 Nm of peak torque. This engine is available with a manual and CVT gearbox option, and it has an ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of 17 kmpl. The second engine option is a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine that produces 140 PS and 242 Nm of peak torque. It comes with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.8 kmpl.
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Kia Seltos
Kia recently launched the facelift version of the Seltos SUV, which is also available with two petrol engine options. This marks the first update for the Seltos since its debut in 2019. Kia has made several cosmetic changes and updated the features in the SUV. The Seltos offers a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a new 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The naturally aspirated version boasts a claimed mileage of over 17 kmpl, while the turbo petrol DCT variant has an ARAI claimed economy of 17.9 kmpl.
Skoda Kushaq
Skoda offers the Kushaq with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak torque. This engine is available with both manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options and provides a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.76 kmpl. Additionally, the Kushaq is available with a 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine, which is offered with both manual and 7-speed DSG. This engine produces a maximum of 150 PS and 250 Nm of peak torque. The manual version has a claimed fuel efficiency of 17.95 kmpl, while the DSG version achieves 17.71 kmpl.
Volkswagen Taigun
Both the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun are based on the same platform, offering similar features and using the same engines. The 1.0-liter TSI version of the Taigun has a claimed fuel economy of 18.47 kmpl, while the 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol version, available with both manual and 7-speed DSG, has a claimed economy of 17.88 kmpl.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is the first Toyota product to be rebadged and launched under the Maruti name in India. This mid-size SUV is available with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder strong hybrid engine. The naturally aspirated version of the Grand Vitara has a claimed mileage of 21.11 kmpl, while the strong hybrid version, which utilizes both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, achieves a claimed mileage of 27.97 kmpl.
Toyota Hyryder
As mentioned earlier, both the Hyryder and Grand Vitara share the same platform and similar features, including the engine. The naturally aspirated petrol engine has a claimed economy of 21.12 kmpl, and the strong hybrid version returns 27.97 kmpl.
Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate is the latest entrant into this highly competitive segment. It uses the same 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine found in the City sedan, generating 121 PS and 145 Nm of peak torque. The Elevate is available with both manual and CVT gearbox options, with the manual version having an ARAI claimed mileage of 15.31 kmpl and the CVT version offering around 16.92 kmpl.
Verdict
After analyzing the fuel efficiency data, it becomes evident that both the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder emerge as the winners. The strong hybrid versions of these SUVs offer impressive fuel economy, and even their regular petrol engines are more efficient than those of their rivals. However, it’s essential to consider that while the strong hybrid version may seem enticing to many, it comes with a higher price tag compared to the regular version. Owners would need some time, possibly years, to recoup the difference amount or other costs and fully benefit from the vehicle.
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