The Best Green Cars You Can Buy In India

350Z · May 12, 2010

“Go Green”. This is one of a common saying which we all have been hearing since our childhood and eventually after the trend of automobiles has rapidly increased in our country, It is translating in a lot of air pollution and Of late, This has become a serious matter of concern which needs to be applied real soon. So how can the auto-manufacturers stay behind to spread the word “Green” which certainly also adds an “environment concerned” tag on their brand name as bonus? Today, The Automotive India tells you about some of the best Green cars available in India which you can buy and help to protect the mother earth. So, Read on to check 'em out.

Disclaimer:

All Prices are in Indian Rupees.
All Prices are Indicative and may vary.
This Article is based on Cars Available in India Only.
This List Includes the cars which have been phased out in Major cities due to new emission norms effect but are still sold in other cities.
This list includes all cars running on CNG, LPG, Hybrid, Electric etc.
This Star

indicates must consider models.
All Pictures are indicative and copyright of their respective owners.
“The Automotive India” has reserved rights for this article and it can NOT be reproduced in any form by anyone for any purpose.

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350Z · May 12, 2010

Maini Reva-i

Headed by Chetan Maini, The Reva-i is made in India’s unique looking hatchback powered by small electric re-chargeable lithium-ion motor and can be charged at your normal house socket! Also, The car is available in many attractive color shades. Though, where there are positives of Reva such as compact size, It has its own negatives as well which includes poor service back-up but if you are living in Bangalore, Hopefully, Servicing shouldn’t be a much of concern.

Variants & Price:

Reva-i Standard: Rs.3,65,000
Reva-i AC: Rs.4,25,000
Reva-i Classe: Rs.4,45,000

Specifications:

Engine: AC Motor with Re-Chargeable Lithium Ion Battery.
Power: 18 BHP @ 1300
Torque: 52 NM
Gearbox: Automatic
Fuel Type: Electricity
Fuel Efficiency: 80 Kilometer (On Full Charge)

What we Like?

Compact Size, Perfect for City
Can be Re-Charged at Your Regular Home Socket!
Extremely Cheap Running Costs

What we Dis-Like?

Over-Priced Tag
2 Seats Only (For Adults)
Design Not to Everyone’s Like

Maruti 800 Duo (LPG)

More than two decades old Maruti has made 800's production finally at a halt after recent stringent emission norms but the car is still sold except in 13 Major cities. The proper car-like looks with easy maintenance and cheap LPG running won’t let you think of any other reason for not considering to buy one.

Variants & Price:

Standard Duo BS-3: Rs.2,13,619*
AC Duo BS-3: Rs.2, 36,407*

(Ex. Showroom Jaipur)

Specifications:

Engine: 3 Cylinders, 796cc. SOHC
Power: 37 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 59 NM @ 2500
Gearbox: 4 - Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG
Fuel Efficiency: 16.1 Kpl

What We Like?

Best After Sales & Service Support
Easy on Wallet
Fuel Efficiency

What We Dis-Like?

Poor Build Quality
Lacks Safety
Short on Space

Hyundai Santro Eco (CNG & LPG)

In-spite of launching a better looking sibling i10 at similar price range, Hyundai hasn’t yet discontinued the old Santro. On its days, This car was a winner in segment but now if you look around, there are much better options available.

Variants & Price:

Gl (LPG): Rs.3,65,310
GLS (LPG): Rs.3,85,867
GL (CNG): Rs. 3,95,826
GLS (CNG): Rs.4,16,405

Specifications

Engine: 1.1L eRLX
Power: 62.1 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 96.1 NM @ 3000 RPM
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG/ CNG
Fuel Efficiency: 12.8

What We Like?

Spacious
Outside Visibility
Easy to use controls

What We Dis-Like?

Dated Looks
Dull Interiors
Bumpy ride

Chevrolet Spark (LPG)

A replacement for Daewoo Matiz, the spark comes with cute looks as a bonus and proves to be perfect new car for lady drivers to suffice daily transport needs. After recent price cut, The spark has now become an irresistible deal.

Variants & Price:

PS: Rs.3,52,816
LS: Rs.3,69,814

Specifications:

Engine: 1.0, 4 cylinders
Power: 62.1 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque: 90.3 NM @ 4200 RPM
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG
Fuel Efficiency: 14 kpl

What We Like?

Cute Looks
Fuel Efficiency
Warranty Package

What We Dis-Like?

Slowly Getting Dated
Plasticky Interiors
Cramped Rear

Tata Indica Xeta (LPG)

Tata Indica Xeta is look-wise a handsome car and I still personally love it over new Vista and recommend most if your driving as well as useage is tough and rough. Overall, Indica is a good city and highway workhorse.

Variants & Price

GLE: Rs.3,19,791
GLS: Rs.3,36,987

Specifications

Engine: 1.2, 4 cylinders
Power: 61.1 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 100 NM @ 2600 RPM
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG
Fuel Efficiency: 11.8

What We Like?

Handsome Looks
Strong Built
Spacious Enough

What We Dis-Like?

Long-term Reliability
Dated Looks
Average Fuel Efficiency

350Z · May 12, 2010

Hyundai Accent Executive (LPG)

The Accent truly has a big and executive car feel at small price, Also it is reliable as well. If you are in search of an Eco-friendly sedan at really tight budget, go ahead with accent and also its design still feels to be fresh enough.

Variants & Price

LPG: 5,36,214

Specifications:

Engine: 1.5 L, 4 cylinder SOHC
Power: 93.7 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 124.5 NM @3500 RPM
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG / CNG
Fuel Efficiency: 11.26

What We Like?

Big Car Feel at little Price
Nice Beige Interiors
Reliability

What We Dis-Like?

Cramped Seats
Average Performance
Fuel Efficiency

Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia LPG

Cedia is the only car available in India with LPG avatar which has sports car like image. That too at an attractive price and easy maintenance but HM - Mitsubishi's weak dealership support may disappoint you.

Variants & Price

Select LPG: Rs.9,09,000

Specifications:

Engine: 2.0 L, 4 cylinder
Power:115 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque: 175 NM @ 4250 RPM
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: Petrol / LPG
Fuel Efficiency: 11.0 Kpl

What We Like?

Sports Car Image
Comparatively Low-Cost Spares
Affordable Price

What We Dis-Like?

Poor After Sales Service
LPG may not offer "that" driving pleasure.
Less rear seat thigh support.

Toyota Corolla Altis (CNG)

World’s one of the most recognized luxury car, that too backed by a reliable “Toyota” badge is now available with CNG fuel option in Indian Market which is fitted at dealership level. However it is currently available only in Delhi and NCR at an affordable premium over regular Petrol counterpart.

Variants & Price:

Base CNG: Rs.10,02,270 + 85,000

Specifications:

Engine: 1.8 L, 16 valve 4 Cylinders.
Power: 132 BHP
Torque: 17.3 Kgm
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Fuel Type: CNG
Fuel Efficiency: N/A

What we Like?

Comfort & Luxury
Reliability
Upmarket Mini-Camry Looks

What We Dis-Like?

Gear Box
Almost No Boot Space due to CNG cylinder

Honda Civic Hybrid

Initially, when Honda Siel released Civic Hybrid at Rs.20 + Lakhs, Public reaction was "Huh! Who's going to pay that much amount just for a Hybrid version of same car which is already available at Rs.12 Lakhs with Petrol fuel option?". Thus, Soon Honda learn from their mistake and as a result the car is now priced just a couple of lakhs more over regular variant and sold like Hot Cakes after major price drop!

Variant & Price:

VTi-L Hybrid: Rs.14,25,000

Specifications:

Engine: 1.3 Liter i-VTec
Power: 94BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 122 NM @ 4600 RPM
Gearbox: CVT
Fuel Type: Petrol / Electricity
Fuel Efficiency: 13 Kpl

What we Like?

A VFM Hybrid
Fuel Efficient
Sportiest + Futuristic Design

What we Dis-Like?

Hybrid Still Li'l Pricey
Soft Rear Suspension
Ground Clearance, Not Best for Indian Roads.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is latest offering from Toyota Kirloskar, and certainly the most expensive hybrid in India. This futuristic cross-over offers almost everything you need, starting from Exclusivity to Head Turning Factor to features but the extremely steep pricing at nearly Rs.30 Lakhs for which you can buy a Merc, BMW, or an Audi makes it rare as well as an unpopular car, unlike other Toyotas.

Variant & Price:

Z3: Rs.27,08,500
Z4: Rs.28,40,500

Specifications:

Engine: 1.8 Liter VVT-i 60Kw Motor
Power: 134BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque: 142 NM @ 4000 RPM
Gearbox: CVT
Fuel Type: Petrol / Electricity
Fuel Efficiency: 20

What We Like?

Head Turning Factor
Design & Futuristic Looks
Luxury & Comfort

What We Dis-Like?

Extremely Steep Price
Not Fully a Daily use Practical City Car

350Z · May 12, 2010

Article Added.

Drive Safe,
350Z

RSM · May 12, 2010

Brilliant thread once again Vibhor.

Yes there were lots of expectation from Civic Hybrid, but is not selling much here. Now Prius has generated same expectation.

The problem is the good hybrid cars are very costly. And they are the only good option looking in market.

LPG duo cars are doing comparatively better.

sriharsha · May 12, 2010

you missed out wagon-r duo? because its stopped?

raj_5004 · May 13, 2010

i would opt for the hyundai santro eco. simply because its the easiest car to drive here!

on the expensive cars, the gas would just take away the driving pleasure. why spend 7+ lakhs & drive a boring car?

Crazy cat · May 13, 2010

I'd pick spark of the lot. It looks good,decent power and efficient. I'd go with raj against expensive green cars.

350Z · May 13, 2010

RSM said:

Thanks RSM. You've already explained the reason for Hybrids not doing well in our country but the Prius, My opinion would differ a bit. This car hasn't generated any expectations at a whopping price tag of Rs.28 + Lakhs!! Infact, I've seen some people who are still un-aware that Prius has been already launched in India. But Personally, I simply love the looks of this car (atleast front & rear, if not side)and bet you'd too after seeing one in person;

sriharsha said:

Yes. Secondly, there's not any confirmation whether Duo is now being produced, even for other small cities. There are a few more cars which have been skipped intentionally and they include: HM Ambassador, Toyota Innova, Maruti Omni-E

raj_5004 said:

And what if the expensive (Rs.7+ Lakh) car is available with cleaner and environment friendly Hybrid technology which also offers almost equal driving pleasure as well? Honda Civic as an instance, Won't you still pick one then?

Drive Safe,
350Z

Akash · May 13, 2010

@350Z- Honda Civic Hybrid is no longer sold in indian markets.

You can check out further at Honda Official Webpage

350Z · May 13, 2010

Akash said:

Then what's this? Honda Civic Hybrid

Drive Safe,
350Z

Akash · May 13, 2010

Did u notice, you try to get price details on that page, theres no option of Civc Hybrid. Also i asked my dealer about the Civic hybrid about which he said that company stopped new booking for Hybrid in Feb and since then no word about Civic hybrid has been communicated to them.

Some months back, i enquired abt Civic hybrid price(from same webpage link you have inserted in your post, it said that Honda has stopped the sales/booking of Civic hybrid.

raj_5004 · May 13, 2010

last heard that honda has stopped production of the civic hybrid to clear existing stocks.

@ vibhor: yes, if a hybrid is available for under 10L, then it can be considered!

type-r · May 14, 2010

out of this, i would go for spark or get a Civic and put aftermarket CNG kit!

350Z · May 14, 2010

Akash said:

I don't remember hearing official word about stopping the Honda Civic Hybrid's production in past. Also, Other reputed magazines like Autocar still has its name included in Car Buyer's Guide and most importantly, If the car is discontinued, Why would Honda still feature it on their website? Though it is possible that the particular dealer might have stopped getting the Hybrid version.

Drive Safe,
350Z

The Best Green Cars You Can Buy In India

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