India's Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars to Beat the Petrol Price Hike

Just when the average Indian seemed to make peace with petrol costs on their gas guzzling vehicles, the steep hike in petrol prices which took effect this month spurred consumers across the nation to rethink their auto-budget.

Struck by the disappointing surge in petrol prices, consumers are now looking for a way out to help ease those petrol pains. The price hike will also have a profound effect on prospective consumers by turning them into highly conscious buyers who would now be seeking budget-friendly alternatives.

As of now, car sales have turned bearish, with several of the mega brand automobile companies lamenting over fewer prospective buyers coming to showrooms.

"The recent hike in petrol prices has depressed market sentiment. With the macro-economic indicators providing no cause for cheer, the demand outlook doesn't look very bright," Arvind Saxena, sales and marketing director of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said according to the Hindustan Times.

However, in this fast-paced world of ever evolving technology, fuel efficiencies have greatly improved with newly manufactured automobiles that are constantly hitting the market. With eco-friendly hybrids not yet gaining popularity on Indian roads, several of the fuel-based models offer impressive if not fairly decent mileage.

Moreover, in this day and age of conscious consumerism, the broad price gap between petrol and diesel may steer consumers towards buying diesel run automobiles. Also, several other factors have influenced, besides price, have aroused preference towards diesel versions.

"It's not the cost difference between petrol and diesel alone that has influenced the buyer preference; diesel engine technology has improved significantly leading to better fuel efficiency," Times of India quoted a director at the dealership as saying.

Keeping fuel economy in mind, here are ten of the best fuel efficient diesel cars that won't kill at the pump.

Click here to take a look at the top 10 fuel efficient diesel cars

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