5 Underrated Diesel Hatchbacks India Once Loved and Lost

Diesel hatchbacks once ruled India's city streets with unbeatable mileage and torque for potholes and highways. But BS6 norms, the overpowering SUV wave, and a shift to battery-powered electric vehicles killed them off. The cars that once ruled the streets now gather dust in forgotten parking lots. Here we take a walk down memory lane to remember five forgotten stars that deserved better fates.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz Diesel

Launched in 2009, the Maruti Ritz diesel brought a tall-boy stance and surprising space to city families, powered by a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced engine making 75 hp and 190 Nm torque. Real-world mileage hit 23-25kmpl. Affordable servicing and a huge boot made it a taxi king in smaller towns. Sales dipped as the Swift stole the spotlight, leading to its quiet 2016 exit.

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Tata Indica eV2 Diesel

India's pioneer diesel hatchback from 1998, the Tata Indica eV2 redefined affordability with its 1.4-litre 70 hp engine and 140 Nm of torque, delivering 23-25kmpl for taxi fleets and budget buyers. The spacious cabin and high ground clearance enabled it to conquer rural roads where rivals struggled. Over 10 lakh units sold by discontinuation in 2018 due to BS6 norms.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Diesel

Maruti's iconic Swift diesel (2007-2020) ruled hearts with its zippy 1.3-litre DDIS engine churning 75hp and 190Nm, returning 25-28 kmpl in mixed conditions. Nimble handling made it a joy to drive in traffic. BS6 norms axed the diesel in 2020, leaving fans mourning the perfect city warrior.

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Hyundai i20 CRDi

Pre-2020 Hyundai Elite i20 diesels ruled premium hatches with smooth 1.4-litre 90 hp or 1.5-litre 100 hp CRDi pushing 220 Nm for effortless cruising at 22-24kmpl. Sunroof, touchscreen, and solid build screamed aspirational. BS6 forced a petrol-only shift, alienating torque lovers despite strong sales. Korean refinement met diesel grunt perfectly until regulations killed it.

Chevrolet Beat Diesel

2011 Beat diesel packed fun into a tiny shell with a 1.0-litre 57 hp and 150 Nm engine sipping just 25 kmpl. Sharp handling and attractive styling outplayed rivals in city runs and spirited drives. Chevy's 2017 India exit ended production amid slow sales.