Compact cars are not just about being small: they are about being smart. In crowded cities where traffic crawls and parking is a game of luck, a car that is light on its feet and heavy on fuel savings makes everyday driving much more bearable. Mileage is not just a side note here: it’s the headline.
For used car buyers, this factor becomes even important. A hatchback that can consistently cross 20 km per litre, keep service bills in check, and still hold resale value, is not just transport, it’s peace of mind. Keep reading as we go over the smartest high-mileage compacts worth considering in 2025.
The Celerio has established its reputation on a single factor, which is efficiency, that does not diminish even after years of being on the road. The petrol versions with the K10C engine by Maruti achieve about 25 kmpl (ARAI) and the CNG version exceeds 35 km/kg, making it one of the cheapest cars to run in the country.
The sweet spot in the used market is in 2020–2023 models. They are modern enough to offer features like a 7-inch infotainment screen and dual airbags, yet remain well below the ₹6 lakh price tag. The Celerio is a proven solution for families who are after a low-cost workhorse, with light steering, a small turning circle, and mileage that takes the sting out of daily traffic.
The Tata Tiago in a city like Delhi has gained popularity among consumers who desire a combination of mileage and safety. The 1.2L Revotron petrol delivers a claimed efficiency of around 19-20 kmpl and the factory-fitted CNG version returns 26-28 km/kg. Even older diesel versions (no longer sold after BS6) went up to 23 kmpl.
Where the Tiago shines is in long-term ownership. Tata has kept service costs at a remarkably low level, and its 4-star GNCAP safety rating makes it more reassuring than most competitors. A 3-5-year-old used Tata Tiago in Delhi is a no-brainer for first-time buyers who want efficiency with a solid structural integrity.
Few cars have been on as many “India’s top seller” lists as the Wagon R, and mileage is one of the big reasons. The 1.0L petrol returns a claimed efficiency of around 24 kmpl, while the 1.2L trim hovers around 23–25 kmpl. CNG versions go further, hitting 34 km/kg in city runs.
In the used market, the Wagon R emphasises its worth by remaining affordable to maintain on the road. Spares are everywhere, servicing is pocket-friendly and the resale value is still high. Its upright seating and compact dimensions make it feel effortless day after day.
If mileage and driving feel had a middle ground, it would be the Swift. Newer petrol trims deliver 24-25 kmpl (ARAI), and older diesels were legendary, reaching 25kmpl+ on highways. Even in traffic, real-world figures stick close to the 20 kmpl mark, which is why buyers still line up for second-hand Swifts.
A well-maintained Swift from 2018 and above will cost ₹5-7 lakh, and it is the type of vehicle that not only saves fuel but also holds value better when it comes to selling. Buyers who want a small hatch with a bit of character, without creating a hole in their pocket, rarely look beyond this Maruti.
The S-Presso was introduced as a micro SUV, and it is not about macho appearance, but rather what is beneath the hood. The 1.0L K-Series engine achieves a claimed efficiency of 24 kmpl in petrol form and an astounding 32km/kg in CNG. That means even in stop-go traffic, it stretches every litre further than most rivals.
In the used market, 2020–2022 models are common and typically priced between ₹4–5.5 lakh. They come with essential features like touchscreen infotainment, dual airbags, and ABS, so you’re not driving a bare shell. The S-Presso is a pocket-friendly choice for city commuters who are after low running costs above all else.
The Kwid stands out for its SUV-inspired stance in the budget hatch segment, but efficiency is where it really wins. The 1.0L petrol version manage a claimed efficiency of 21–22 kmpl, while the smaller 0.8L motor (discontinued later) offered around 22–23 kmpl.
Buyers love it because it looks more stylish than typical entry hatches but still delivers cheap running. Even 2018–2021 models with touchscreen infotainment and digital clusters can be found under ₹5 lakh. For someone who wants mileage with a touch of style, the Kwid is still worth the money.
Mileage is the ace card for the Alto. The 0.8L petrol has an ARAI certified mileage of 22 kmpl and the CNG version has a mileage of 31-32 km/kg, which few competitors can match.
There are plenty of used Altos available, with 2017-2022 models frequently priced below ₹4 lakh. The secret of its invincibility is low upkeep: parts are inexpensive, any roadside garage can repair it, and it consumes less fuel than many other rivals. For buyers on a strict budget who still want reliability, the Alto is hard to beat.
The i20 is in the premium hatch category, unlike most others in this list, but it does not lag behind on mileage. The 1.2L petrol gives a claimed efficiency of up to around 20 kmpl and the older 1.4L diesel was reported to give 22-23 kmpl without difficulty.
Buyers who are considering a used i20 cars in Bangalore, the best option is to look at models from 2017-2020. They have the modern touches, such as touchscreen infotainment, rear camera, spacious interiors, and good efficiency numbers. Although the newer i20s are priced higher, the older trims can be found for almost half the price.
Here is a summary of the mileage figures of all the cars listed in this blog:
| Model | Engine | Mileage (ARAI) |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Celerio | 1.0L petrol | 25.24 kmpl (Petrol), 35.6 km/kg (CNG) |
| Tata Tiago | 1.2L petrol | 19–20 kmpl (Petrol), 26–28km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Wagon R | 1.0L / 1.2L petrol | 24.35 kmpl (1.0L Petrol), 23–25 kmpl (1.2L Petrol), 34.05 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti Swift | 1.2L petrol / 1.3L diesel (old) | 24.8–25.75 kmpl (Petrol), 28.4 kmpl (Diesel), 32.85 km/kg (CNG) |
| Maruti S-Presso | 1.0L petrol | 24–25 kmpl (Petrol), 32.73 km/kg (CNG) |
| Renault Kwid | 1.0L petrol | 21.4–22.3 kmpl (Petrol) |
| Maruti Alto | 0.8L petrol | 22.05 kmpl (Petrol), 31.59 km/kg (CNG) |
| Hyundai i20 | 1.2L petrol / 1.4L diesel (old) | 19.65–21 kmpl (Petrol) |
Mileage does not necessarily mean a tradeoff in features or comfort. Celerio, Tiago, Wagon R, Swift, S-Presso, Kwid, Alto and i20 are all efficient while keeping costs predictable. Each fits a slightly different buyer profile, with one end being budget-first families and the other end being young professionals who are willing to spend a premium on a hatch without the new-car price tag.
For city residents in Delhi, Bangalore or any other part of the world, these small cars show that fuel bills do not determine how much you drive. Whether it is the peace of mind of a used Tata Tiago in Delhi or the luxury yet low-cost feel of used i20 cars in Bangalore, the used car market is full of choices that go the extra kilometre.