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Opinion: stop selling diesel hatchbacks and be honest about why
Photo: Illustration: Camshaft Motors (synthetic)

Opinion: stop selling diesel hatchbacks and be honest about why

Diesel makes little sense for low-mileage drivers; the makers should say so.

Diesel engines cost more to buy and more to service. They pay off after 25,000 km a year.

Most hatchback owners drive 8,000. Selling them diesel is selling them a longer payback.

At 8,000 km a year, a diesel hatchback costs about 1.1 lakh rupees more over five years than a petrol one. Only above 25,000 km a year does diesel win.

Dealers rarely give this calculation. They should have to show it on the price sheet.

This is a demo story: every name, place, organisation and figure in it is fictional.

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