With new engine technology and plenty of innovations, diesel cars are no longer cumbersome and are as trouble-free and maintenance-free as their petrol versions.

Generally, there is a price difference of around Rs 100,000 between petrol and diesel cars.

There are primarily two reasons why diesel cars are popular in India -- running cost per kilometer is less and diesel will always be cheaper than petrol.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular diesel cars in all the three segments.

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Most fuel-efficient hatchback

Popular as a bubble car, the Nissan Micra Diesel was launched in India in December 2010.

The diesel Micra is available in two variants XV and XV Premium.

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Both have 1461cc SOHC 8 valve, 4cylinder In-line common rail diesel engine.

It has a mileage of 23.08 Kmpl.

Nissan Micra Diesel price starts at Rs 569,000.

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While Skoda Fabia gives a mileage of 19.5, Ford Figo Diesel delivers delivers 18.5 kmpl.

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The new Maruti Suzuki Swift diesel is expected to challenge Micra and is expected to return around 23.8 km per litre, as against the existing 21 km a litre.

The new Swift is expected to arrive next month.

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Most fuel-efficient sedans

In the sedan segment there are three competitors for the top spot -- Maruti Swift Dzire, Ford Fiesta Classic and Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Diesel.

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Maruti Swift Dzire delivers 19.3 kmpl on highways while Ford Fiesta Classic has a mileage of 18.6 kmpl.

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In the Rs 700,000 to Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) price range the Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 CRDi promises a mileage of 23.5 km a litre.

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The Maruti Swift Dzire is priced Rs 585,000 to Rs 700,000 while the Ford Fiesta classic diesel has a price tag of Rs 648,000.

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If mileage is your only top preference, then it makes sense to opt for Dzire.

But if you wish to buy a car that gives you both mileage and style, then the obvious choice is Hyundai Verna Fluidic.

The Ford Fiesta is in the middle with fuel economy and new styling.

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Most fuel-efficient diesel SUVs

The Toyota Innova rules this segment in terms of mileage and it delivers 12.8 km per litre.

Innova's price in India starts at Rs 835,000.

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Innova, just like its predecessor Toyota Qualis, is tried and tested on Indian roads and has emerged as one of the best MPVs that offers good value for money.