KIA New Carnival

Diesel cars have enjoyed a long reign, but due to stricter emissions norms and EVs coming into the picture, buyers for the same have reduced drastically. While some have completely shut shop for diesel, some carmakers continue to manufacture diesel vehicles as they offer a great mix of power and fuel efficiency. The future promises intrigue as we observe how these diesel-powered automobiles navigate evolving consumer preferences and environmental regulations. List Of Best Mileage Diesel SUVs Model Mileage Hyundai Creta 21 kmpl (MT), 19.1 kmpl (AT) Kia Seltos 20.7 kmpl (MT & AT) Mahindra XUV300 20 kmpl (MT), 19.7 kmpl (AT) Tata Nexon 23 kmpl (MT), 24 kmpl (AT) Hyundai Venue 24.2 kmpl (MT) Kia Sonet 22.30 kmpl (MT), 19 kmpl (AT) Hyundai Alcazar 20 kmpl (MT), 18 kmpl (AT) Hyundai Creta The Hyundai Creta stands as the cornerstone of Hyundai's vehicle lineup, consistently holding the title of their best-selling car. With its recent facelift, demand has surged to unprecedented levels. Renowned for its bold and dynamic design, the Creta is a versatile SUV celebrated for its comprehensive array of features. Beneath its sleek exterior, a potent 1.5-litre diesel engine delivers a robust performance, generating 114 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque. What also impresses us about the Creta is that it can clock 21 kmpl and 19.1 kmpl with manual and automatic transmissions, respectively, offering a great blend of power and efficiency.  Kia Seltos The Kia Seltos shares its underpinnings with the Creta and has amassed a cult following of its own. This also means that the same tried-and-tested 1.5-litre CRDI mill does duty in the Kia Seltos, boasting a claimed fuel efficiency mileage figure of 20.7 kmpl. Seltos’ sharp exterior design, tech-packed interior and multiple transmission options on offer make it a formidable contender in this segment coming at a starting price of ₹12.35 lakh. Mahindra XUV300 Since its debut in 2019, the Mahindra XUV300 has been a disruptive force in the sub-4-metre SUV segment, reshaping the landscape and solidifying the brand's new identity. Powered by a robust 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, the XUV300 delivers an impressive performance, boasting 115 horsepower and 300 Newton-metres of torque translating into a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 10.9 seconds, making it the quickest among its peers. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 20 kilometres per litre and an attractive starting price of ₹10.21 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the XUV300 presents compelling reasons for consideration as the younger sibling of the XUV700. Tata Nexon From the roster of India's homegrown brands comes the Tata Nexon, whose diesel variant presents an enticing choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritising efficiency without sacrificing performance. As a perennial favourite in its segment, Nexon's popularity has only surged further with its recent facelift, attracting an even broader audience. Equipped with a 1.5-litre engine, the Nexon offers versatility with both manual and AMT gearbox options. It achieves a remarkable fuel efficiency of 23 kilometres per litre with the manual transmission and 24 kilometres per litre with the AMT, placing it in good stead against its competitors. Hyundai Venue Dominating the sub-compact SUV segment, the Hyundai Venue has solidified its position with notable upgrades such as the inclusion of six airbags as standard and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Borrowing the reliable 1.5-litre diesel engine from its larger counterpart, the Creta, the Venue delivers spirited performance despite its smaller size. Impressively, it achieves an outstanding mileage of up to 24.2 kilometres per litre, establishing itself as the most fuel-efficient option in this lineup. With a starting price as enticing as ₹10.71 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Venue offers exceptional value for money. Kia Sonet The Kia Sonet mirrors the success story of the Venue, boasting a sporty stance and dynamic design alongside essential safety features like lane following assist, leading vehicle departure alert and driver attention warning. While Kia claims a fuel efficiency of 22.30 kilometres per litre, a more realistic figure would likely hover around 18.30 kilometres per litre. Notably, Sonet sits a notch above the Venue as it offers an automatic transmission as well. If you are on a strict budget, you can consider buying the HTE variant from the Tech Line which costs about ₹90,000 less than the Venue at ₹9.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Alcazar The Hyundai Alcazar stands out as the epitome of spaciousness, offering the highest number of seats on this list. Sharing the robust 1.5-litre diesel engine with the Creta ensures a reliable and powerful performance. With a generous fuel tank capacity of 50 litres, the Alcazar is tailored for extended journeys with an impressive mileage of 20 kilometres per litre. This translates to a staggering range of approximately 900 kilometres on a full tank, making it an exceptionally cost-effective choice for long-distance travel. With prices starting at ₹21.33 lakh (ex-showroom), the Alcazar represents exceptional value for a seven-seater SUV. FAQs Q1. Why diesel gives better mileage than petrol? Ans. Because of diesel’s more combustible nature than petrol, less amount of fuel is required to generate power. On average, diesel cars offer 25% more mileage than their petrol counterparts. Q2. Which SUV in India gives the highest mileage? Ans. Hyundai Venue diesel has an ARAI mileage of 24.2 kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on sale in the country.

In recent times, we have witnessed the rising demand for SUVs among first-time car buyers in India. Due to the rising economy, customers are now ready to shed extra to drive home a new SUV instead of a hatchback. In fact, reports reveal that one third of first time car buyers in India now opt for SUVs. The compact SUVs are a hot favorite among 1st time car buyers, as these models are now designed and developed to suit city driving. In the next 1 year, a total of 5 new cars in the compact SUV segment will be launched in the country.  Upcoming Small SUVs Model Name Launch Date Tata Punch Facelift 2025 Nissan Magnite Facelift Late 2024 Kia Clavis Early 2025 Skoda Compact SUV March 2025 Maruti Fronx Facelift 2025 Tata Punch Facelift The first model in our list of upcoming small SUVs in India is the Tata Punch facelift, which has already been caught testing on the Indian roads. The new model is expected to be launched sometime in the first half of 2025. It will share styling cues and interior with the new Punch EV. The new model will have split headlamp setup and Nexon-like bumper and bonnet line.  Inside the cabin, the Punch facelift is likely to come with several new features. The cabin will have similarities with the Punch EV, and is likely to feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless connectivity features and an updated instrument console. It is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 86hp and 113Nm of torque. It will also receive a CNG version where it produces 73.4hp and 103Nm. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. Nissan Magnite Facelift The next model in our list of upcoming small SUVs is the Magnite facelift, which is expected to be launched by the end of this year or in the first quarter of 2025. The Magnite has been one of the most affordable SUVs in its category, making it a good choice among the first time car buyers. The updated model will receive design changes and an upgraded cabin along with more features. It will have a new front design, new alloys and updated bumpers. The SUV will receive an electric sunroof, 6 airbags, hill start assist, ESC, traction control, and an updated infotainment unit. Nissan engineers are likely to tune the engines (1.0L 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated & turbocharged) to extract more power and torque.  Kia Clavis The Korean automaker will launch an all-new compact SUV, which will be positioned between the Sonet and the Seltos. Rumoured to be called the Kia Clavis, the new SUV is scheduled to be launched in early 2025. It will be marketed as a lifestyle SUV and will come with a boxy & rugged styling. The small SUV will be offered with both ICE and electric powertrain options. The ICE version is expected to receive a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 118bhp and 172Nm of torque. The electric version is rumoured to be called the Kia EV2 and is expected to offer a range of up to 400km on a single charge. It will be equipped with several segment-leading features like a panoramic sunroof, front parking sensors, advanced driver assistance system, ventilated front seats and others.  Skoda Compact SUV Skoda has officially announced that it will enter the crowded sub-4 meter SUV category in the first quarter of 2024. This Skoda compact SUV will rival the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and the Mahindra XUV300. It is likely to make its global debut at the 2025 BHarat Mobility Show, which is scheduled to happen in January. The small SUV is also likely to be exported to select international markets including South America, Africa and South-East Asia. It will be based on the VW Group's MQB AO IN platform, which underpins the Kushaq and the Slavia. It will ride on a 2,566mm wheelbase, which is 85mm shorter than the Kushaq's wheelbase. The small SUV will be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces 115bhp and 178Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Maruti Suzuki Fronx Facelift Maruti Suzuki will introduce the facelifted version of the Fronx crossover in 2025. The new model will receive subtle design changes and an upgraded interior. The big change will come in the form of a new powertrain option. It is likely to be equipped with the Maruti's hybrid system, which is expected to be significantly cheaper than Toyota's series-parallel hybrid tech. It is most likely to be powered by a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine, which will debut in the new Swift. This engine will be benefited with the brand's new hybrid tech. The hybrid system will include a 1.2L engine (which will work as a generator), an electric motor and a battery pack with a capacity of 1.5kWh to 2kWh. FAQ Which is the most selling small SUV? In the last financial year (FY24), Tata Nexon was the top-selling small SUV in the Indian market. The Punch micro SUV was the second-best selling model, followed by Maruti Suzuki Brezza.  What is the most reliable small SUV of all time? Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the most reliable small SUV on sale in the Indian market. Since its launch, the small SUV was known for low maintenance cost and its reliability.  Also See - Top 4 Upcoming Coupe SUVs In India

Kia is planning to expand its product lineup by introducing multiple new models. These new models are expected to launch either at the end of 2024 or in 2025. In this story, we will have an overview of the upcoming Kia Carens. Kia Clavis A new sub-4m SUV, Kia Clavis will be positioned between Seltos and Sonet. Design-wise, it will have a boxy appearance. It might offer a panoramic sunroof, 12 parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and flush door handles. It is expected to be offered in multiple powertrain options including ICE, hybrid, and electric. Other specifications are yet to be revealed. New Kia Carnival The fourth-gen model, Kia Carnival will come to India with a bigger size than its predecessor. From the design perspective, the vehicle will feature a sharper design with elongated DRLs and a new grille. Inside, the MPV will offer a dual 12.3-inch screen for infotainment and a digital instrument cluster. The brand is likely to offer a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Expect the launch in the second half of 2024. Pricing for the new-gen Carnival could hover around Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom). Kia EV9 Kia EV9 will be the brand's flagship model. It will be brought to India as a CBU route but in limited numbers. Kia is likely to sell this model with multiple seating layouts. In addition, the vehicle is expected to be powered by a 99.8 kWh battery, offering a range of 563 km. Globally, it is offered with RWD, AWD, and a long-range RWD. Expect the price in the range of Rs 80-90 lakh (ex-showroom). Kia Carens EV Last but not least, Kia is likely to launch the electric version of Carens. It is likely to share most of its styling from the standard Carens. Inside, it will come equipped with a 3-row seating layout. Some of the features will include an electric sunroof, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, and more. The driving range of the Carens EV would be up to 600 km. Expect the launch next year in May 2025. Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Launch In 2025; Production to Begin in Dec 2024

First launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet has been a huge hit for the Korean car brand in India. The company has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 4 lakh sales in both domestic and overseas markets in under 44 months (less than 4 years). Of these, 317,754 units were sold domestically, while an additional 85,814 units were dispatched to overseas markets.  The company claims that 63% of customers prefer Sonet variants equipped with an electric sunroof. The diesel version of the SUV accounts for 37% of total sales, while 63% sales come from petrol engine options. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in Sonet has received positive response, as it grows by 37.50% since 2020. While automatic transmissions (7DCT & 6AT) contribute 28%, the iMT has a steady fanbase with a 23% sales contribution to Sonet.  Commenting on Sonet success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, commented, “The compact SUV segment presents a big opportunity, with many first-time buyers entering the segment directly. Sonet is our second-best innovation, and it has captured their imagination perfectly. It offers them a futuristic, tech-enabled, comfortable mobility solution designed very well and with low ownership costs.” Recently, introduced 4 new HTE(O) and HTK(O) variants in diesel and petrol engine options. The HTE (O) variants are equipped with an electric single-pane sunroof, while the HTK (O) comes with a sunroof along with LED Connected taillamps, fully automatic temperature control (FATC) and rear defogger. Also See - Mahindra XUV 3XO Bookings Open At Dealership Level