Most Nepalis tend to opt for petrol-powered cars rather than diesel-powered ones, simply because petrol burners are cheaper and more suitable for short rides. Diesel engines require high-pressure components such as fuel pumps and rail-injector systems; hence they cost more than petrol engines. But owning a diesel-powered car does have its benefits. The price of diesel is less; diesel engines generate more torque at low revs (perfect for towing); they provide better fuel efficiency; and they emit less CO2. 

Car manufacturers often offer model variants of both engine types, to reach a wide range of customers. And here are five popular entry-level compact SUV models that are offered in both diesel and petrol engine options.

Hyundai Venue

The Venue is Hyundai’s entry-level compact SUV, launched in 2019 in Nepal. The Venue comes in three engine options: a 1.2L Kappa MPi (petrol), 1.0L Kappa Turbo (petrol), and 1.5L U2 CRDi (diesel). The 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and the 1.0 turbo petrol engine gets a six-speed iMT. The 1.5L diesel engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The compact SUV provides a mileage of 17 to 24 kmpl, depending upon the engine option. Currently, the vehicle is offered in seven variants, at a starting price of Rs 37.96 lakh.

Specifications

Related: Hyundai Venue Facelift launched in India

Hyundai Venue price in Nepal

Kia Sonet

Kia’s Sonet is the company’s entry-level model in Nepal, and it is offered in two engine options: a 1.2L Smartstream (petrol) and a 1.5L CRDi VGT (diesel). The petrol engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission only and the diesel engine comes either with a  six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission.

The SUV comes loaded with features such as push-button start, paddle shifters, smart pure air purifier, wireless charger, mood lamps, 10.2-inch HD touchscreen navigation, multi-drive modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport), and electric sunroof (voice controlled), six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, hill-assist control, and parking sensors.

Kia Nepal currently offers the Sonet in four variants, at a starting price of Rs 36.90 lakh.

Specifications

Kia Sonet price in Nepal

Mahindra XUV 300

The XUV300 comes in two engine options: 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel. The petrol engine generates a power of 110 bhp and a torque of 200 Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. And the diesel engine–mated to either a six-speed manual or an auto-shift transmission–generates 115 bhp of power and a torque of 300 Nm.

The compact SUV comes with  notable features such as an electric sunroof with anti-pinch function, 7-inch infotainment system, three driving modes (Normal, Comfort, and Sport), 60:40 split seats, seven airbags, ESP, traction control, and front and rear parking sensors.

Currently, Mahindra offers nine variants of the XUV300 in Nepal, at a starting price of Rs 39.75 lakh.

Specifications

Mahindra XUV300 price in Nepal

Also read: Hatchbacks for under Rs 26 lakh that provide a mileage of above 20 kmpl

Ford Ecosport

The Ecosport has come a long way. The compact SUV debuted in Nepal in 2013 with a 1.0L engine, and the facelifted model, relaunched in 2017, was powered by a 1.5L engine (petrol and diesel) and also featured a major upgrade to its interior.

Among the Ecosport’s notable features are its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, push start/stop button with keyless entry, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and speed-sensing auto-door lock.

Currently, the Ecosport comes in six variants, at a starting price of Rs 36.90 lakh (for the Ambiente MT).

Read the full review here: Ford Ecosport Facelift 

Specifications

Ford Ecosport price in Nepal

Honda WRV

Honda currently sells the 2018 WRV model in Nepal. The compact SUV is offered in two engine options: a 1.2L i-VTEC (petrol) and 1.5L i-DTEC (diesel). The petrol engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and it provides an average mileage of 16.5 kmpl. And the diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and provides a mileage of 23.7 kmpl.

The vehicle’s notable features are its keyless entry and central locking, tilt-and-telescopic steering with mounted control buttons, cruise control, ABS with EBD, multi-view rear parking camera, and 7-inch infotainment system, among others.

Specifications

Honda WRV price in Nepal

Also read: Most affordable double-cabin pickup trucks in Nepal | Price and specifications