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Petrol can go take a hike!

Fuel prices are going up and high-tech diesels are cheap and available now. And this is how things in India are going to change within the next two years. Read on...

Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Multijet... billed to revolutionise the hatchback market Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Multijet... billed to revolutionise the hatchback market

If you're one of those people who've always looked down upon the diesel engine for its sluggish and unrefined qualities, there's news for you. As if by the wave of a magical wand, the common-rail turbo-diesel engine has changed the very nature of the diesel engine, and a modern version has gone from grimy and problematic to clean and trouble-free. Probably the largest technological advance diesel tech has made in a single step, the good news is that in the forthcoming months, almost every category of car buyer will have the choice of a common-rail diesel.

If you take into consideration the skyrocketing fuel prices, going the diesel way is one option you wouldn't mind at all, especially since the common rail engine, once found only in really expensive machinery, is now set to make an entry at the grassroots level, and every step above. Here are a few of these cars, set to launch within the next 24 months.

Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Multijet

The Grande Punto hatch designed by Giorgetto Guigiaro, with its `baby Maserati' looks could well be Fiat's redemption in India. Diesel power will be courtesy Fiat's little gem, the 1.3-litre Multijet, which by the time the car begins production, will be upgraded with a raft of third-generation common rail technologies. The Grande Punto is larger than the Palio and is built on a 2.52-metre wheelbase. The long wheelbase also gives the Punto a very stable platform. When the Grande Punto is launched here in late-2007, it will all but revolutionise the hatchback market - you're likely to get between 13 and 15 kpl under urban driving conditions.

Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCi... makes so much sense

Maruti Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS

The Swift is going to benefit from Fiat's 1.3 Multijet diesel engine, which Suzuki will manufacture in an all-new plant near Delhi. A massive 17kgm of torque, long-legged cruising ability and fuel economy are things to look forward to. Expect the car to reach 100kph in 14 seconds and attain a top speed of 165kph. Despite this model qualifying for an excise sop - its diesel engine falls under 1500cc and the car is shorter than four metres - the Swift DDiS won't be cheap, as Maruti don't want to jeopardize its petrol model. An additional Rs 60,000 is what you may have to part with to own this beauty.

Maruti Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS... long-legged cruising ability

New Santro 1.1 CRDi

Hyundai's Santro replacement in 2007 will come with the surprise addition of a 1.1-litre common rail diesel. Likely to be the cheapest car on sale powered by a CRDi engine, this motor is the new Accent's CRDi unit less one cylinder. Incredibly powerful for its size, this 1,120cc engine produces a whopping 75bhp. Expect this to be the most efficient diesel here as its low kerb weight will be an unassailable advantage. Unconfirmed reports talk of overall economy, city and highway combined, in excess of 20kpl.

Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRDi

Practical, with rear seat comfort and more useable space than the Swift, Hyundai's Getz will share its motors with the new Accent/ Verna. Hyundai sells the Getz powered by a detuned version of the new Accent motor in the European continent, and it's likely to be the case here as well. Producing 87bhp as against 108bhp, using two versions of the same engine will help Hyundai get a handle on cost. At 22kgm, torque is also lower, but not much. Importantly, this number is appreciably bigger than its competitor's, the Swift.

Hyundai Gets 1.5 CRDi... Getting a handle on cost

Hyundai Accent/Verna 1.5 CRDi

Likely to be the most impressive diesel midsize car of all, with 110 power-packed horses and a stump-pulling 24kgm of torque, it holds the promise of fantastic power and acceleration, with on-paper performance likely to match even cars like the Honda City VTEC! The new Accent is also more comfortable inside, with larger seats that have a higher hip-point than the current car.

Renault Logan 1.5 dCi

Renault and Mahindra are likely to shake up the mid-size pack when they unveil their aggressively priced, diesel Logan. Know as the 1.5 dCi, this unit has been specifically tuned to deliver great fuel economy. Producing 70bhp and using a low-inertia turbo for good low speed response, this engine is also likely to make the Logan good for traffic use. Performance in fact, is likely to mirror the Ford Fiesta TDCi very closely.

Renault Logan 1.5 dCi... likely to shake up the mid-size pack

Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 CRDe

Like Tata, Mahindra, are in the process of developing an all-new common rail motor for their Scorpio. Also displacing 2.2 litres and developed in collaboration with AVL, this engine uses a high-pressure system designed by Bosch. The new motor should put out anywhere between 130 and 140 bhp, depending on the state of tune. Incredibly, the motor is expected to be an all-aluminium unit, with twin cams and four valves per cylinder.

Toyota Corolla D-4D

Come 2008, the new Toyota Corolla will offer a diesel option. A new version of the 2.0 D-4D powerplant currently sold in Europe is slated to go under the hood of Toyota's car. Currently producing 116bhp and 28.5kgm of torque, this motor is likely to have more than sufficient power for the Corolla's requirements.

Fabia 1.4 TDI... the next big thing from Skoda

New Tata Indica 1.3 Multijet

By the time the larger new Indica is out, the Tata-Fiat tie-up will be going full throttle. Tata will borrow engines from Fiat with the 1.3 litre Multijet being the engine of choice. Thoroughly localised, cheaply assembled and very capable, it will give the new Indica/ Indigo family a huge leap forward as far as overall ability is concerned. The new Indica, in addition, will be larger still and if Tata manages to get the suspension, levels of quality and the price right, the Indica stands to blow away competition.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 Multijet

The GM - Fiat joint venture may be off, but the former still has access to Fiat's engines. Yet another manufacturer to use the 1.3 Multijet, the Aveo saloon powered by Fiat's motor will take on Ford's Fiesta and the Hyundai Accent for diesel saloon honours. GM India is currently in the process of piecing this one together.

Tata Indigo/ Marina DiCOR 1.4

A Tata engine that has been a long time coming - the DiCOR version of the Indigo/Indica motor - has been on the cards for a couple of years now. Euro IV norms will hasten its introduction both at home as well as abroad. The motor features a new head as well as intake system and the unit is expected in both 70 and 90bhp guises. This car is good news for budget driven car owners as power delivery, refinement and efficiency are all set to climb.

Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCi

Ford's Fusion missed the diesel trick when it was launched, so slotting the Fiesta TDCi motor under the hood is likely to be the most important weapon in the Fusion's arsenal. Outstanding refinement and good cruising ability should be boosted by a slightly elevated state of tune and shorter, more appropriate gearing. This car could suddenly make so much sense.

Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI

Skoda is known for its outstanding diesel engines. The brilliant Fabia hatch, powered by a three-cylinder version of the Laura's Pump Duse motor may be the next big thing. The 74bhp doesn't sound like much, until you figure the massive 19.8kgm of torque in. It is also the only non-Common Rail motor of the lot here - but get this right - it features VW's famed individual pump-on-injector alternative to the common-rail system and is in every bit as sophisticated in power delivery as the rest.

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