Best 4 Cylinder Cars In India

While it is true that several crucial components make up an automobile engine, the cylinder is often dubbed as the powerhouse of the engine. It is the component that converts fuel to mechanical energy that powers the engine. Despite power being one of the most alluring aspects of any engine, finding the perfect balance between power, performance, weight, efficiency, and emissions is what makers of modern-day engines strive for. This is where the magic of a 4-cylinder comes into the picture. Known to offer a sweet balance of power and torque, 4-cylinder engines are known to offer impressive fuel efficiency, lower emissions, lighter weight, and smoother operation compared to both larger as well as smaller engines. The go-to engine choice for a majority of automakers in India, 4-cylinder engines are powering vehicles across the segment. So, if you are a 4-cylinder fan, here are 10 of India’s best 4-cylinder cars that have truly elevated the engine’s configuration to deliver a wholesome driving experience.

Overview Table

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno is one of the most sought-after hatchbacks in India and comes with a contemporary design, premium cabin and great driving dynamics. The beauty of the Baleno, however, lies in its heart. The Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre DualJet engine that uses its 4-cylinder magic to offer an exceptional mileage of up to 22.35 km/l with manual and up to 22.94 km/l with AMT, while maintaining adequate balance between power and torque. The engine can also power the hatchback with CNG as an alternative fuel, returning a mileage of up to 30.6 km/kg without compromising too much with the power output.

Perfect for those wanting to bring home a premium hatchback that is comfortable, feature-rich, spacious and highly efficient, the Baleno is truly one of the best Indian hatchbacks and shines with its 4-cylinder magic. Priced between Rs. 6.78 to 9.92 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Baleno is truly one of the best 4-cylinder engine cars.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications

• Engine:1.2-litre Petrol engine 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 22.35 km/l (Manual), 22.94 km/l (Automatic)
• Airbags: up to six airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Verna

Launched in 2006, the Hyundai Verna has been one of the most successful sedans in India and has a massive fan following, owing to its exceptional driving dynamics and superior performance. The Korean sedan is currently in its 6th generation and, as always, is one of the sportiest mass-market cars. A key element giving the Verna its sporty character is its 4-cylinder engines. It is powered by a 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated petrol or a 1.5-litre Turbocharged petrol engine. With punchy power, complementing torque and balanced shifting, the Verna’s 4-cylinder engines are truly exceptional. What makes the ride even better is the engine’s efficiency, which offers a mileage of up to 20 km/l, a figure that is rather impressive for a mid-size sedan. The goodies do not end here, as the Verna also offers a CVT automatic with the Naturally Aspirated engine and a DCT automatic with the Turbocharged one.

Packed with a host of exciting features, including Level 2 ADAS, and with a 5-star safety rating, the Hyundai Verna is a pick for those seeking a thrilling 4-cylinder performance onboard a premium package. Priced between Rs. 11.07 to 17.55 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Hyundai Verna is a 4-cylinder masterpiece.

Hyundai Verna Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol or a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine 
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT and 6-speed manual/CVT 
• Mileage: Up to 20 km/l for petrol
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sedan

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Launched in April 2023, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx shook the market with its practical approach that bridged the gap for those who were looking for something more in the Baleno. Fast forward to today: the Fronx is crowned as India’s fastest-selling car to hit the 2 lakh sales milestone in a mere 17.3 months after its launch. A big credit behind the Fronx’s newfound success can easily be attributed to its 1.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that offers a thrilling ride with superb power and torque ratios. The 1-litre engine, despite being a turbocharged unit, offers a mindblowing mileage of up to 20 km/l with manual transmission and 21.5 km/l with a torque converter automatic. This alone makes the Fronx a done deal for many. 

Not to forget that the Fronx’s 4-cylinder magic also brings the Baleno’s DualJet 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with its already exceptional mileage and all-around performance. The cherry on top is the CNG trims, which take the DualJet Petrol engine’s 4-cylinder greatness to a whole new level with mileage figures that will surely make you appreciate the way Maruti makes its engines. Overall, for a price ranging between Rs. 7.52 to Rs. 13.04 Lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a complete winner.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Automatic Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre Petrol Engine
• Transmission: 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 21.5 km/l 
• Airbags: 2 Airbags as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Tata Nexon (Diesel)

With the stringent BS6 norms leading to the discontinuation of several great diesel engines from the market, the Tata Nexon shines as one of the very few compact SUVs to offer a power-packed diesel onboard. This alone makes the Tata Nexon a better pick, especially when compared to key rivals. With the advantage of unmatched safety, impressive space and great comfort, what makes the Nexon truly special is Tata’s 4-cylinder 1.5-litre Turbocharged Revotorq engine that achieves a sweet blend of power and torque with both manual and AMT automatic transmission. The engine performs exceptionally well, with well-defined gear ratios complementing the engine’s overall feel. The efficiency on offer is great as well, with the engine returning a mileage of up to 23.23 km/l for manual and 24.08 km/l for automatic. 

When pitched head-on against rivals, the Nexon shines with its sturdy driving dynamics and impressive in-cabin feel. Revered for its built-to-last approach and rare-to-see reliability, the Tata Nexon in its diesel avatar comes at a price ranging between Rs. 10 to 15.60 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Diesel), making it worth every penny.

Tata Nexon Diesel Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT (Diesel)
• Mileage: Up to 24.08 kmpl 
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

An SUV that has stood the test of time, evolving at every stage of its production to slowly become one of India’s most iconic cars, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is sheer magic. Carving its position in a fierce segment, the biggest reason behind Brezza being the choice of millions is Maruti’s 4-cylinder 1.5-litre K15C series engine. Taking the 4-cylinder magic a notch above Brezza’s 1.5-litre engine comes with progressive smart hybrid tech that helps deliver a mileage of up to 19.8 km/l, which is surprisingly great for an engine this size. With brake energy regeneration, idle start-stop and torque assist, the 4-cylinder petrol engine of the Brezza offers linear performance throughout the rev range.

In its current generation, the Brezza offers a value-oriented pack of modern-day features that elevate its overall appeal. With both automatic and manual trims on offer, the Brezza even offers CNG trims, making it truly practical. Overall, the Brezza offers the best of what Maruti has in line, for a price that is affordable and competitive. Priced between Rs. 8.69 to 14.14 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is one of the best Indian cars.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/6-speed AMT.
• Mileage: Up to 19.89 kmpl (Manual) and 19.80 (Automatic)
• Airbags: 2 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Hyundai Creta

Launched in 2015, the Hyundai Creta has been the torchbearer of the mid-sized SUV segment. With several generations offering something better than the previous, the Hyundai Creta is a charismatic, bold, and stylish SUV. But despite the good looks, spacious cabin and loaded-to-the-brim features, what truly makes the Creta leap ahead are its capable and efficient 4-cylinder, 16-valve engines that are offered in 3 variants: a 1.5-litre MPi Petrol, 1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol and a 1.5-litre CRDi Diesel engine. All three units pack a good punch of power, with the turbocharged petrol as well as the diesel unit offering superb torque figures. With stable driving dynamics and a fine-tuned suspension setup, the 4-cylinder engines do well in terms of mileage, with up to 21.8 km/l offered for diesel and up to 18.4 km/l for petrol. 

What’s even more exciting when it comes to driving the Creta is the way the engines are synchronised with automatic transmissions. The NA engine is paired with a CVT automatic, the diesel comes with an AMT, while the turbocharged engines offer an exciting DCT onboard. Overall, the Hyundai Creta is an absolute banger when it comes to overall ownership experience, driving dynamics and premium approach, along with diverse engine and powertrain options. Priced between Rs. 11.11 to 20.50 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Hyundai Creta is quite a charm.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol,1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, CVT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed AT
• Mileage: Up to 17.4 kmpl Petrol Manual, 18.4 kmpl Petrol automatic, 21.8 kmpl diesel manual and 19.1 kmpl diesel automatic
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Thar and Thar Roxx

Whether it is sales charts or Punjabi songs, the Mahindra Thar is an omnipresent name that can never be ignored. Now, with the Thar Roxx added to the portfolio, the Mahindra Thar appeals to fans and critics alike. Despite all the popularity, the real credit behind the Thar’s unforgettable legacy is its 4-cylinder engines, which offer power and torque ratios that are fine-tuned to elevate the Thar’s overall driving experience, complementing the SUV’s robust suspension setup as well.

Talking about the engines, the Thar offers a 4-cylinder 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 2.2-litre diesel engine (AWD variants) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (RWD variants). The Thar Roxx, on the other hand, comes with a 4-cylinder 2-litre Turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre Diesel. The mileage on offer is decent as well, with up to 15.7 km/l offered with the diesel and up to 12.2 km/l for petrol. With both manual as well as torque converter automatic on offer, the Mahindra Thar for a price ranging between Rs. 11.50 to 17.60 lakh and the Thar Roxx priced at Rs. 12.99 to 23.09 Lakh, that Thar badging is an excellent pick, especially for those looking for a muscular and tough SUV.

Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: Thar: 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 2.2-litre diesel engine for AWD variants and a 1.5-litre diesel engine for the RWD variants. Thar Roxx: a 2-litre Turbo-petrol: and a 2.2-litre Diesel
• Transmission: Thar: 6-speed manual/AMT for AWD and a 6-speed manual for RWD; Thar Roxx: 6-speed Manual/AT
• Mileage: Up to 12.2 kmpl for Petrol and up to 15.7 kmpl for diesel
• Airbags: Dual Airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5

Honda City

The sedan that has been in the game since 1998, the Honda City, was and continues to be one of the best sedans to have ever hit the Indian market. Slowly evolving with each generation, the Honda City has garnered immense love every time. While the City is an excellent package in every aspect, the one thing that makes it stand out is Honda’s ever-popular 1.5-litre, water-cooled, 4-cylinder, natural aspirated engine with 16 valves. This iVTEC engine is synonymous with impressive fuel efficiency and great performance even at the low and mid spectrum of the rev range. Paired with an exciting CVT automatic in addition to a manual, the Honda City’s petrol engine delivers a lag-free performance every time you take it for a spin. In terms of mileage, Honda’s 4-cylinder magic and extensive R&D have enabled the City to achieve a mileage of up to 18.4 km/l.

When compared to rivals, the Honda City offers great drivability, grounded driving dynamics, and an impressively well-refined engine, elevating the overall driving experience. Best suited to those who seek a sedan that checks all the boxes, including safety, space, comfort, and driving dynamics, the Honda City shines as a veteran that never goes out of style. For a price ranging between Rs. 11.82 to 16.55 Lakh, the Honda City is an all-rounder.

Honda City Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT
• Mileage: Up to 18.4 km/l (Automatic) 
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol 
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N

The big daddy of sizable SUVs, the Mahindra Scorpio has come a long way from being just a rugged offroader to a premium lifestyle SUV that can take on any challenge like a boss. But what truly makes the Scorpio the raging success even today is Mahindra’s legendary mHawk and mStallion engines that deliver tailor-made 4-cylinder magic. The large 2.2-litre 4-cylinder mHawk unit offers sheer power and ample torque across the rev range, delivering a punch of power every time you need it. Onboard the Scorpio N, the mHawk engine offer a much more exciting state of tune with an extra oomph of both power and torque with an optional torque convertor automatic and AWD trims on offer as well. Despite its size, the engine offers great mileage of up to 14.44 km/l on the Scorpio Classic and up to 15.94 on the Scorpio N.

For petrol lovers, the mStallion magic is something you would only know when you witness it. The 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is an absolute beauty, with superior power output and great torque figures that complement the SUV’s driving dynamics and a balanced suspension setup ready for every challenge. With the Classic priced between Rs. 13.62 to 17.50 Lakh and the Scorpio N at Rs. 13.99 to 24.89 Lakh, both Scorpios are two of the best-rugged  4-cylinder SUVs in the market that are capable enough to seat 7 in comfort.

Mahindra Scorpio Specifications

• Engine: Scorpio N: 2.2-litre diesel unit and a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine; Scorpio Classic 2.2-litre diesel unit
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-spent AMT (Scorpio N) and 6-speed Manual (Scorpio Classic)
• Mileage: Up to 14.44 km/l (Classic) and up to 15.94 (Scorpio N)
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 to 9

Toyota Fortuner

A cult in every sense, the Toyota Fortuner is one of the most successful full-sized SUVs in India. It is known for its larger-than-life approach, premium cabin, rugged capabilities and aspirational value. With a sizable bodyline demanding a power-packed engine to do justice, the Fortuner is equipped with a 4-cylinder in-line, 16-valve petrol and diesel engines.

The more popular of the two, a massive 2.8-litre petrol turbocharged diesel engine, offers nothing but sheer power with impressive torque figures and punchy performance with optional AWD trims. The petrol burner is a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated unit that does complete justice to the SUV’s exceptional ride quality, driving dynamics and go-anywhere approach. When paired with the Fortuner’s tailor-made suspension setup crafted to tackle Indian conditions, the Fortuner’s 4-cylinder magic is truly exceptional. Priced between Rs. 33.78 to 51.94 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Fortuner is the uncrowned king of its segment.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications

• Engine: 2.8-litre diesel engine, a 2.7-litre turbocharged petrol engine 
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT and 6-speed AT (Petrol) and 6-speed AT (Diesel)
• Mileage: Up to 12 kmpl
• Airbags: 7 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: Up to 7

Best 4 Cylinder Cars In India: Summary

Striking a balance between efficiency, power, torque, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, 4-cylinder engines are the go-to choice for vehicle manufacturers across the globe. Even in the Indian automobile market, 4-cylinder engines continue to dominate with their wide segment compatibility. Be it a hatchback, sedan or full-sized SUV, 4-cylinder engines have a little something for every need.

FAQs about the Best 4 Cylinder Cars In India