Lately, the trend of downsized 3-cylinder engines in compact cars is gaining popularity as we list out the most popular small cars sold in India with a downsized engine.
Here are the top hatchback cars sold in India that have 3-cylinder engines. Downsizing a 4-cylinder into a 3-cylinder unit has a lot of advantages. This includes things like affordability, fewer moving parts, lower emissions, and excellent fuel efficiency, among others in addition to a power surge at low RPMs. However, since 4-cylinder engines are more balanced (as the number of cylinders balances each other), the vibrations in the 3-cylinder engines are higher. Also, because there are only 3 cylinders, the car generally remains in slightly higher RPMs as they have to work more than the 4-cylinder unit making them characteristically noisier. But with compact hatchbacks, lowering the initial cost is of prime importance which is why new cars are coming equipped with this setup.
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3-Cylinder Hatchback Cars in India
| Tata Tiago | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Tata Altroz | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Maruti WagonR | 1.0-liter 3-cylinder |
| Maruti Celerio | 1.0-liter 3-cylinder |
| Renault Kwid | 1.0-liter 3-cylinder |
Tata Tiago
Tiago is a 4-star safety-rated hatchback that has a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine developing 86 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. There are options for a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic transmission. Apart from that, the customers can also choose the CNG variant with this powertrain. The prices range from Rs 5.60 lakh to Rs 8.11 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Tata Tiago Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol |
| Power | 84.82 bhp @ 6000rpm |
| Torque | 113Nm @ 3300rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual, 5-speed AMT |
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Tata Altroz
In addition to the aforementioned 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine of the Tiago, the Altroz also offers a 1.2-litre i-Turbo petrol engine that makes 110 PS and 140 Nm of peak power and torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a quick-shifting DCT automatic transmission. The prices of the premium hatchback range from Rs 6.60 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Tata Altroz Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol/1.2-litre 3-cylinder, turbo-charged petrol |
| Power | 86.83bhp @ 6000rpm/108.48bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 113Nm @ 3300rpm/140Nm @ 1500-5500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic/5-speed Manual |
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Maruti Celerio and WagonR
Maruti Celerio and WagonR are the next hatchbacks that feature a 3-cylinder engine. There is a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated K10C petrol mill that generates 68 PS and 89 Nm of peak power and torque. There are options of a 5-speed manual or an AMT transmission in addition to a CNG powertrain for people looking for low maintenance and running costs. The prices of the Celerio range from Rs 5.37 lakh to Rs 7.14 lakh, ex-showroom. The WagonR retails between Rs 5.54 lakh and Rs 7.42 lakh, ex-showroom. It also has a 4-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol powertrain.
| Maruti WagonR and Celerio Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol |
| Power | 65.71 bhp@ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual, 5-speed AMT |
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Renault Kwid
Finally, the Renault Kwid also comes with two 1.0-litre petrol engines making 68 hp / 91 Nm and 55 PS / 72 Nm of peak power and torque respectively. Mated to these powertrains is either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox. Kwid ranges from Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.33 lakh, ex-showroom and has a great ground clearance for applications in semi-urban and rural regions of the country.
| Renault Kwid Specifications | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol |
| Power | 67.06 bhp @ 5500rpm |
| Torque | 91 Nm @ 4250 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual, 5-speed AMT |
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