A car that saves even ₹1–₹2 per kilometre can make a noticeable difference when it is driven thousands of kilometres every year. This is why mileage remains one of the most practical considerations for Indian buyers, especially for daily office commuters, commercial users and families managing regular city travel.
But “best mileage” needs some context. Petrol efficiency is measured in km/l, while CNG efficiency is measured in km/kg, so the two figures should not be treated as directly equivalent. CNG cars dominate the highest-efficiency figures currently available in India, while efficient petrol models remain attractive for buyers who value easier refuelling and fewer compromises in boot space.
Here are 10 cars worth considering if fuel efficiency is high on your priority list.
Top Mileage Cars at a Glance
| Car | Fuel | Claimed/Certified Mileage* |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | CNG | 34.43 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR | CNG | 34.05 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | CNG | 33.85 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | CNG | 33.73 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | CNG | 32.73 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | CNG | 30.90 km/kg |
| Toyota Glanza | CNG | 30.61 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno | CNG | 30.60 km/kg |
| Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS | CNG | Up to around 27 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Eeco | CNG | 26.78 km/kg |
*Figures are manufacturer/test-agency figures for applicable variants and may differ from real-world mileage. (marutisuzuki.com) (toyotabharat.com)
1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
With a claimed 34.43 km/kg in its S-CNG version, the Celerio is one of the most fuel-efficient mainstream cars available in India. (marutisuzuki.com)
Its compact dimensions work particularly well in congested cities, while its light controls make everyday driving relatively easy. For someone travelling long distances every month and having convenient access to CNG stations, the Celerio makes a strong economic case.
2. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The WagonR combines excellent efficiency with a more practical tall-boy cabin. Its S-CNG version is rated at 34.05 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
Unlike choosing a highly efficient car purely for economy, the WagonR also gives families generous headroom, easy entry and exit and useful everyday cabin space. This balance is one reason it remains relevant to urban family buyers.
3. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
For buyers whose requirements are simple—low running costs, compact dimensions and straightforward city transportation—the Alto K10 remains difficult to ignore.
The S-CNG version delivers a certified 33.85 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
Its small footprint is particularly useful on crowded streets and in tight parking spaces. The trade-off is that buyers requiring generous rear-seat or luggage space may find larger hatchbacks more practical.
4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Mileage-focused buyers no longer have to restrict themselves to tiny hatchbacks. The Dzire S-CNG delivers an impressive 33.73 km/kg, while the petrol manual is rated at 24.79 km/l. (marutisuzuki.com)
The Dzire is especially interesting for families because it combines fuel economy with sedan comfort and practicality. Its latest generation also brings six airbags as standard and has achieved five-star Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP ratings. (marutisuzuki.com)
5. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The S-Presso S-CNG offers 32.73 km/kg, putting it among India’s more economical CNG cars. (marutisuzuki.com)
Its upright seating position and compact exterior dimensions suit city driving well. Buyers should, however, compare its overall space, comfort and safety equipment against similarly priced alternatives rather than choosing solely on mileage.
6. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Swift is a better fit for someone who wants good efficiency without giving up the lively character of a conventional hatchback.
Its S-CNG version offers a claimed 30.90 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
The Swift makes sense for buyers who cover substantial distances but also care about styling, everyday usability and driving experience rather than maximizing mileage at all costs.
7. Toyota Glanza
The Toyota Glanza E-CNG has certified fuel efficiency of 30.61 km/kg, while its petrol versions can deliver up to 22.94 km/l depending on transmission. (toyotabharat.com)
The Glanza offers a more premium hatchback experience than entry-level mileage champions, making it suitable for buyers looking for efficiency alongside better cabin space, features and everyday comfort.
8. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Closely related to the Glanza, the Baleno is another practical option for high-mileage users who want a larger hatchback.
The Baleno S-CNG is rated at 30.60 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
Its advantage is not simply efficiency. The Baleno provides a spacious cabin and a more premium overall experience than smaller economy hatchbacks, which can matter for family use.
9. Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS
The Grand i10 NIOS provides buyers with both petrol and factory-fitted CNG options. Hyundai lists mileage for its hatchback range with the Grand i10 NIOS reaching approximately 27 km/kg in CNG form, depending on configuration. (hyundai.com)
It is particularly attractive to buyers who prioritize cabin refinement, convenience features and urban drivability while still wanting relatively low fuel costs.
10. Maruti Suzuki Eeco
The Eeco is very different from the other cars on this list. Its main attraction is utility rather than premium features or sophisticated styling.
Its S-CNG powertrain offers 26.78 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
For buyers who need greater passenger or cargo-carrying practicality while keeping operating costs under control, the Eeco can serve a purpose that conventional hatchbacks cannot.
Claimed Mileage vs Real-World Mileage
The number in a brochure should never be interpreted as a guarantee of what your car will return every day. Toyota, for example, specifically notes that its certified fuel-efficiency figures are obtained under standard test conditions and actual road mileage can vary. (toyotabharat.com)
Real-world efficiency is affected by:
- Heavy traffic and frequent idling
- Aggressive acceleration and braking
- Air-conditioning use
- Passenger and luggage load
- Tyre pressure
- Road gradients and surface conditions
- Driving speed
- Maintenance and engine condition
A car delivering slightly lower certified mileage may therefore still be the better purchase if it provides the space, safety, performance and convenience your family actually needs.
FAQs
Q1. Which car currently offers the best CNG mileage in India?
A: Among the mainstream models covered here, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio S-CNG has a manufacturer-listed efficiency of 34.43 km/kg, narrowly ahead of the WagonR S-CNG at 34.05 km/kg. (marutisuzuki.com)
Q2. Is CNG better than petrol for daily driving?
A: CNG can substantially reduce running costs for high-mileage users, particularly when CNG is easily available along their regular route. Petrol may be more convenient for drivers who travel relatively little or live where CNG stations are limited.
Q3. Why does my car give less mileage than the claimed figure?
A: Certified mileage is measured under controlled test conditions. Traffic congestion, driving behaviour, AC usage, tyre pressure, vehicle load and road conditions can all reduce real-world efficiency.
Q4. Should I buy the car with the highest mileage?
A: Not necessarily. Mileage should be considered alongside safety, purchase price, space, comfort, service costs, performance and your annual driving distance. Saving
