10/15/2018 Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

(https://www.cartoq.com/) (https://hindi.cartoq.com/)

Why diesel cars give more mileage than petrol cars!

Posted on (https://www.cartoq.com/why-diesel-cars-give-more-mileage-than-petrol-cars/) by Roshun Povaiah
(https://www.cartoq.com/author/roshun0/)

With an increasing shift by Indian car buyers to diesel cars, one would have also noticed that most diesel
cars have a much higher claimed mileage than an equivalent petrol car. Typically a diesel car has about
25% more mileage than an equivalent capacity petrol car. Why is this so?

Take for instance the Volkswagen Vento petrol /diesel (http://www.cartoq.com/groups/volkswagen-

vento/) engines. Both are of 1.6 litre capacity. The petrol and diesel both develop 104 bhp of power. But
the petrol only has 153 Nm torque and gives a claimed 15 kmpl, while the diesel has 250 Nm torque and
claimed fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl.

CarToq looks at the reasons why diesel cars are more fuel efficient that petrol cars.

Also see: Trying to decide whether diesel or petrol will save you more money? Check out our Diesel
Decider tool (http://www.cartoq.com/diesel-decider/)!

Diesel carries more energy

Diesel as a fuel has a higher energy rating than petrol. Each litre of diesel produces more energy than an
equivalent litre of petrol. Diesel contains 38.6 Mega Joules per litre of energy while a litre of petrol
contains only 34.8 MJ of energy. What this means is that diesel burns hotter and with more of an
explosive force than petrol. This would mean you need to use less diesel to achieve a certain amount of
power than you would with petrol. This amount is typically about 25% lesser diesel than equivalent
petrol.

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10/15/2018 Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

Also read: When should you sell your petrol car and buy a diesel? (http://www.cartoq.com/when-
should-you-sell-a-petrol-car-and-buy-a-diesel/)

Diesel does not need a spark

Diesel fuel is not as highly inflammable as petrol. It, however, can auto ignite at high temperature and
this is the principle on which a diesel engine works. Air is compressed to a high ratio of about 18:1 or
21:1 in the cylinder and compressing air generates heat. When this temperature inside the cylinder in an
engine goes higher than 210 degrees centigrade (the auto ignition temperature of diesel), a small spray of
diesel is injected into the cylinder which then ignites spontaneously. This is why in cold temperatures it
takes longer to start a diesel car because the pistons need to pump a few times before the air can get
warm enough to ignite diesel. Some cars use pre-heaters or glow plugs also for this in cold weather.

Also see: Most value for money diesel sedans (http://www.cartoq.com/most-value-for-money-diesel-

sedans/)

Precise fuel injection

Because diesel is minutely directly sprayed into a cylinder, lesser fuel is used and since it has cetane (six-
sided) rings in its makeup instead of octane (eight-sided hydrocarbon rings), diesel’s burning
characteristics are better – it is more slow burning and complete burning, allowing for a longer burn time
and better efficiency. This is also the reason why diesel engines don’t reach high rpm ranges. Now some
new generation petrol engines are adopting similar technology like the Hyundai Sonata’s GDI (gasoline
direct injection) petrol engine, which technically should give better mileage and torque.

Related: Upcoming cheap diesel cars for India in 2012 (http://www.cartoq.com/upcoming-diesel-

cars-for-india-in-2013/)

Diesels develop more torque

The high compression ratio in a diesel engine means that it needs heavier parts and longer pistons and
connecting rods to compress air better. It has a higher thermal efficiency than a petrol engine. This
increased length of pistons also means it has a better mechanical advantage than a petrol engine and
develops higher torque. Torque is the turning force that the engine generates – and since more of this
comes at a lower rpm in a diesel engine, it is easier to move away without revving the engine too much
and this also saves fuel. Also see: Diesel cars with turbo lag – and is turbo lag a problem?
(http://www.cartoq.com/diesel-cars-with-turbo-lag-is-it-really-a-deal-breaker/)

Therefore, even if fuel prices of diesel and petrol were to become equal at some point in the future, diesel
cars will still be the cars of choice for those who travel longer distances, because of the higher mileage
that they give.

Share your experiences with diesel cars with the rest of the CarToq community.

Maruti Alto 800 vs Alto K10

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10/15/2018 Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

Posted on October 25, 2012 (https://www.cartoq.com/maruti-alto-800-vs-alto-k10/) by CarToq Editor

(https://www.cartoq.com/author/cartoq/)

The new Maruti Alto 800 is an improvement of the old Maruti Alto, and will be sold alongside its
sportier sibling the Alto K10. How does the new Maruti Alto 800 compare with the Alto K10? How do
these cars appeal to you as a buyer?

CarToq compares the Alto K10 with the new Maruti Alto 800, to bring out how these two cars are
different and why Maruti thinks it can sell both alongside.

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Looks, fit and finish

The new Alto 800 is an evolution of the design of the older Alto, where Maruti has tried to free up more
space (more headroom and legroom), by increasing the height of the car slightly, as well as the width.
The front end of the new Alto gets a modern rounded look with a hexagonal grille and swept back petal
headlamps. The sides also get smaller windows and a rising window line. The Maruti Alto K10 on the
other hand is based on the old Alto design. The Alto K10 is longer, because it has a longer bonnet to
accommodate the chunky K-Series 1-litre engine. Cabin space is equal to the older Alto.

The new 800 has improved plastic bits and feels slightly better than the K10 in fit and finish, although
both cars are quite good. However, in terms of looks, the K10 looks sportier.

On the interiors, the K10 borrows its gadgetry from the Wagon-R (the instrument panel), while the rest of
the interiors are similar to the older Alto. The new Alto 800 therefore has slightly better interiors than the
K10. Also read: Alto 800 road test and review (http://www.cartoq.com/expertvoice/maruti-alto-800-
road-test-and-review/)
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Comfort and features

The Alto K10 VXI and the new Maruti Alto 800 are almost similar when it comes to features. The Alto
800 and K10 both have two power windows. What the K10 has extra over the Alto is a tachometer as
well as central locking and front fog lamps. The Alto 800 on the other hand provides for some safety
with the provision of a driver’s airbag.

In terms of seating comfort, there is more shoulder room and headroom in the Alto 800 compared to the
K10. The K10 has comfortable front seats, and a low-slung driving position, which makes it sporty, while
the Alto 800 has a more upright stance. Seating space in the rear is better in the Alto 800. Luggage space
in both is similar.

On features alone, the K10 has a little extra, but when you take comfort into account the Alto 800
provides better passenger comfort.

Performance and handling

The Alto K10 is powered by a three-cylinder 1-litre engine that puts out 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm of
torque, with a five-speed manual transmission. Being a light car, the Alto K10 has an excellent power-to-
weight ratio, making it one of the peppiest cars in its class, and beating some more expensive cars in
terms of acceleration. The new Alto 800 on the other hand is powered by the older 796 cc three-cylinder
petrol engine that has been tuned up to put out 47.5 bhp of power and 69 Nm of torque. It gets a five
speed manual transmission with an improved gear shift.

Mileage
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In terms of fuel economy, the old Alto was always one of the best and the new Alto 800 too builds on
that with a claimed fuel economy of 22.74 kmpl. In comparison, the Alto K10 gives a little over 20 kmpl.
Both cars are very fuel efficient, but if this is a main criteria – then the Alto 800 would be the one to pick
in the long run. Also read: New Alto 800 vs old Alto 800 (http://www.cartoq.com/new-maruti-alto-
800-vs-old-maruti-alto-800-whats-new/)

[table id=1003 /]

What we think

The Alto 800 LXI is priced about Rs. 30,000 cheaper than the Maruti Alto K10. The Alto 800 offers
more space and seating comfort – and would be the practical choice for any buyer looking for an
inexpensive, entry-level car for the city. However, if you are a bit of an enthusiast and want a car that
offers a great driving experience as well, and really don’t need rear-seat space – then the Alto K10 would
be a better choice.

Share your thoughts on how these two cars compare with the CarToq community.

Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

Posted on (https://www.cartoq.com/renault-duster-which-is-the-variant-for-you/) by Roshun Povaiah
(https://www.cartoq.com/author/roshun0/)

If you are looking for a compact SUV, the choice right now is limited to the Renault Duster that’s
available in eight variants, six in diesel and two in petrol. But how do you decide which is the right
variant of the Renault Duster for you?

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10/15/2018 Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

CarToq looks at the variants of the Renault Duster and puts it in perspective based on your requirements
as a buyer.

Are you a basic city user under 1000 km / month?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXE petrol

If you are looking to buy a compact SUV like the Renault Duster primarily for use in the city, you would
be better off looking at the petrol variants of the Duster as they are refined and cheaper as well. The
petrol Renault Duster comes in two variants – the base RXE and the mid-variant RXL. The RXE variant
is priced at Rs. 7.49 lakh, while the better-equipped RXL variant is priced at Rs. 8.49 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Renault hikes Duster prices (http://www.cartoq.com/renault-hikes-prices-of-duster-by-up-
to-rs-40000/)

The petrol Duster is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine that puts out 102 bhp of power at 5850 rpm and
145 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The RXE is a basic variant that has no features other than the basics such as power steering, power
windows, central locking and air-conditioning. It also gets a parcel tray, 12 volt socket and keyless entry.
The RXL variant of the Duster comes with rear wash-wipe, Bluetooth integrated audio system with
steering audio controls, rear armrest and height adjustable seat. Also read: Renault Duster variants
explained (http://www.cartoq.com/renault-duster-variants-and-specifications-explained/)

However, when you consider the price difference of Rs. 1 lakh, the only useful feature that you won’t get
is the rear-wash wipe, but other features can be added aftermarket for much less. Therefore it’s worth
buying the base Duster RXE petrol at Rs. 7.49 lakh and then accessorizing it as needed with a music
system.

Are you a city user over 1000 km / month?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXE diesel

If you are a person who does quite a lot of driving in a month, especially in the city then, you should be
looking at the Renault Duster 85 PS diesel variant, as it is highly fuel-efficient and does not have too
much turbo lag. The Renault Duster 85PS is powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine that puts out 84 bhp of
power and 200 Nm of torque with a five-speed manual transmission. It comes in three variants – the base
RXE diesel priced at Rs. 8.39 lakh, the mid-variant RXL priced at Rs. 9.39 lakh and the mid-variant
option pack (which includes safety features), priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh, ex-showroom.

If you want a value for money vehicle, pick the base RXE diesel as it comes with only basic features
such as power steering, AC, power windows and central locking and you can add on other things like a
music system to it. The RXL variant that includes music system, power mirrors, rear wash-wipe and rear
armrest is Rs. 1 lakh more expensive – a bit too much.

Are you a city user looking for safety?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXL 85 Option

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If you are a city user who wants features, especially safety features such as airbags and ABS, then the
Renault Duster RXL 85 Option is a good choice. The RXL Option is priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh, but comes
with essential safety features such as two airbags and ABS. It also gets rear parking sensors, alloy
wheels, integrated Bluetooth audio system, rear wiper etc.

This is the lowest priced Duster with safety features, which is a pity, because safety features should have
been offered on lower variants as well.

Are you an enthusiast city user?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXL 110

If you are a person who loves driving and want a Duster that has better top-end speed, especially if you
are planning weekend trips out on the highway or live in a city with some high-speed corridors, the
Renault Duster RXL 110, also priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh is a good choice. The RXL 110 comes with a 1.5
litre diesel engine that churns out 108.5 bhp of power and 248 Nm of torque. More importantly, it comes
with a six-speed manual transmission and ABS is standard (you need it to rein in the power it produces).
Also read: Comparison Renault Duster 85 PS vs Renault Duster 110 PS
(http://www.cartoq.com/choosing-between-renault-duster-85ps-and-110ps/)

The Renault Duster RXL 110 does not have airbags or alloys, but it comes with an integrated audio
system, rear wash-wipe etc. It’s a good variant for the fast driver. One can add alloy wheels after market.

A long-distance driver?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXZ 110

If you are the kind who frequently travels on highways then the RXZ 110 would be the better Duster
variant for you as it includes two airbags as well. It also has a rear AC vent, in case you are the kind who
occasionally likes to be chauffeur driven. The RXZ 110 variant has a 1.5 litre diesel engine that churns
out 108.5 bhp of power and 248 Nm of torque. It has a bit of turbo-lag in the city, but is good for higher
top speed on the highway.

Share your thoughts on which of these variants you think would suit your needs the best, with the CarToq
community.

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