Hybrid petrol tech has now become a more often sight in new cars. But, do these new engines are as efficient as diesel? Read our detailed analysis below.
- Hybrid petrol engines are very efficient when compared to normal/turbo-petrol
- Diesel engines offer more torque as well as more efficiency
- NGT ban & strict emission rules are pushing customers towards buying the hybrid tech
The ever-growing emission from cars and the rising cost of fuel is leading to innovation. Its prime example is the inclusion of hybrid tech in cars. Products like Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara offer an amazing mix of petrol and electric power. Additionally, these new engines are way more efficient than their regular petrol counterparts. However, is this new tech better than the old-school diesel engines? Well, find out in our detailed analysis below.
Why Choose Hybrid Petrol?
The main and only logic behind the hybrid tech is to provide efficiency. But, how it works? Let's take the example of the Grand Vitara. Maruti claims that it can do up to 27.97 kmpl as per ARAI certification. This is achieved by using a battery setup that is connected to the electric regeneration motors. These motors are attached to the wheels and generate battery charge whenever the brakes are applied. The basic science of kinetic energy conversion to electric energy. However, whenever the battery juice runs low, the 1.5-lt 3-cylinder petrol engine becomes active. It does the job to run the car smoothly and also helps in regeneration via engine resistance.
All thanks to this, hybrid cars like the Honda City Hybrid can run at speeds up to 90 kmph in EV mode. Hence, the brilliant combination of power & efficiency makes more sense to customers. However, these engines are more inclined towards city use; where the car can easily regenerate energy. Meanwhile, the highway economy of these engines might drop slightly due to less regeneration. So, if you're looking for a car that can do your office commuter at a cost of a motorcycle; a hybrid petrol engine is for you. Additionally, cities like Delhi & NCR face strict emission rules. Hence, customers are now more inclined toward buying full hybrid cars. However, the cost associated with these engines is more but the subsidy from the state government helps in some places.
Why Choose Diesel?
Diesel engines need no introduction in India. Offering a blend of torque, performance, & fuel economy; diesel engines have been in huge demand for a long. Products like Hyundai Creta offer powerful yet efficient diesel engine options to customers. The technology involved with diesel engines is less complex when compared to hybrid petrol. However, it is the torquey nature of diesel engines that makes them a huge hit. Over rough terrains and high altitudes, diesel engines help in ferrying people & luggage every day. Not only this but customers who prefer to use their cars mostly on highways, prefer diesel engines. However, with the growing stricter emission laws, diesel engines have started to fade away slowly. For example, customers in Delhi & NCR can not use their 10 years or older diesel cars. Hence, diesel car sale is dying slowly.
Meanwhile, diesel engines do produce a lot more emissions when compared to hybrid petrol. Additionally, diesel engines produce a lot more NVH too. However, the main use of diesel power is over the highway. If you're looking for a car with a strict use for highways, diesel engines still make sense. But, this notion is not always true. We recently did a Delhi to Mumbai drive in a single fuel tank of Grand Vitara. The car amazed us and showed the real potential of the hybrid tech. Watch our epic record-breaking drive below.
Verdict
Diesel engines make sense to buyers who prefer to use their cars mostly on the highway. Additionally, the easy parts & service availability of a diesel engine are still unbeatable by hybrid petrol engines. Meanwhile, the average life of the battery setup of hybrid tech is unknown. So is the unknown price figure for replacing the battery pack. However, hybrid petrol engines are said to be very reliable and offer amazing efficiency. Hence, these are meant mainly for city driving. Tell us by commenting which of the engine options will you choose if you had to.
