Automakers spend thousands of crores and several years developing an engine from scratch. This is not the most feasible option when multiple models (even across brands) have near-identical requirements. While engine-sharing within a brand’s line-up is routine, the practice is also common between companies. Here is our list of the most shared engines in mass-market cars under Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

1. Hyundai, Kia 1.5L U2 CRDI

This popular turbo-diesel mill powers 6 SUVs and 2 MPVs.

The 1,493cc U2 CRDi is the most shared engine on this list. It is also a capable and dependable mill, delivering up to 116hp and 250Nm of torque. The U2 CRDi finds itself under the bonnet of the Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Seltos, Kia Carens, Kia Clavis, Kia Syros and Kia Sonet. In fact, this is the torquiest engine on offer in the Syros and Sonet. All models except the Carens offer both 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT options. While the Clavis is available with both, the Carens comes only with a manual gearbox.

2. Maruti Suzuki K15C

Does duty in 7 cars across Maruti’s and Toyota’s line-up.

One of the most prolific mass-market engines in India, Maruti’s K15C powers the Brezza, Grand Vitara, Victoris, Ertiga, XL6, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Toyota Rumion. It is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill displacing 1,462cc and can be fuelled with petrol or CNG. The K15C is known as the ‘Smart Hybrid’ series in Maruti’s parlance, while Toyota has named it ‘Neodrive’.

The petrol-only K15C has a maximum output of 103hp and 139Nm, whereas the CNG version can make almost 88hp and 122Nm. The K15C petrol’s best fuel efficiency is a claimed 21.18kpl in the Victoris, while the most economical CNG version, also in the Victoris, is rated at 27.02km/kg. This engine is paired with a 5-speed MT or a 6-speed AT. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available in select cars.

3. Maruti Suzuki K12N

Powers a combined 6 models from Maruti and Toyota.

Displacing 1,197cc, the naturally aspirated K12 N-series engine is available in petrol and CNG versions, depending on the model. It is found under the bonnet of four Maruti Suzuki cars, including the Wagon R, Baleno, Fronx and Eeco. This four-cylinder mill also powers the Toyota Glanza and Urban Cruiser Taisor.

The K12N has a peak output of around 91hp and 114Nm in the Wagon R, with the CNG version in the Eeco managing around 71hp and 106Nm. The most efficient petrol version of the K12N has a claimed mileage of up to 24.43kpl. Transmissions available with the K12N engine are a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT.

4. Fiat 2.0L Multijet

Under the bonnet of 6 cars from 3 different brands.

This Fiat-sourced Multijet mill is arguably one of the most widely recognised diesel engines in the country. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit displaces 1,956cc, producing 170hp and 350Nm. It powers the MG Hector, MG Hector Plus, Tata Harrier, Tata Safari and Jeep Compass.

Although the Meridian uses the same engine as the Compass, its top variant costs well over Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). Depending on the model, this turbo-diesel engine is available with a range of gearbox options: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT and 9-speed AT. It also allows all-wheel drive, available with the Jeep Compass.

5. Tata 1.2L Revotron

This three-cylinder powerplant powers 6 Tata cars.

Tata’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Revotron engine is used in the Tiago, Tigor, Altroz, Punch, Nexon and Curvv. It displaces 1,199cc, producing 86hp and 113Nm in the petrol variants of the subcompact Tiago and Tigor models. In the CNG variants of these cars, the output falls to 75.5hp and 96.5Nm. The gearbox options on offer include a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT.

In the Altroz and Punch, it develops 88hp and 115Nm in petrol versions and 73.5hp and 103Nm in CNG variants. While the Punch and Altroz’s CNG variants get MT, their petrol variants get the option of AMT too. This Revotron mill in the Altroz can also be paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The same engine in the Nexon and Curvv features a turbocharger, which bumps up the output to 120hp and 170Nm. Its CNG derivative loses 20hp but retains the petrol version’s torque figure.

6. Hyundai, Kia 1.2L MPI

Found in 5 subcompact and compact models.

Hyundai-Kia’s MPI unit is one of the most common naturally aspirated engines in the country. It has a displacement of 1,197cc and produces up to 88hp and 115Nm of torque when fuelled with petrol. The CNG version of this motor makes 69hp and around 95Nm.

This 1.2-litre mill powers Hyundai cars such as the Grand i10 Nios, i20, Aura and Venue. It also does duty in the Kia Sonet. Gearbox options available with this engine include a 5-speed MT, a 5-speed AMT and an iVT. The CNG version of this engine is offered only with a manual transmission.

7. Hyundai, Kia 1.5L T-GDi

Available with 3 Hyundai and 2 Kia models.

The 1.5-litre T-GDi is one of the most popular turbo-petrol engines in the market today. It is offered with the Hyundai Verna, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Seltos and Kia Carens Clavis, which shows its versatility. The 1,482cc four-cylinder mill is capable of producing 160hp and 253Nm of torque.

Depending on the particular Hyundai or Kia model, transmission options include a 6-speed MT, a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT. According to ARAI figures, the Hyundai Verna Turbo has a claimed mileage of 20.6kpl when paired with the DCT gearbox. Regardless, all the cars powered by this turbo-petrol engine are currently only available with front-wheel drive (FWD).

8. Hyundai, Kia 1.0L T-GDi

This turbo three-pot powers 4 cars.

Displacing 998cc, this turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine pumps out 120hp and 172Nm. It can be had with a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed IVT or a 7-speed DCT. The 1.0-litre T-GDi mill is found under the bonnet of the Hyundai i20 N Line, Hyundai Venue N Line, Kia Sonet and Kia Syros.

9. Hyundai, Kia 1.5L Smartstream

2 Hyundais and 2 Kias get this NA powerplant.

Hyundai’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre ‘Smartstream’ petrol engine is offered in the Verna and Creta. This 1,497cc naturally aspirated mill, which makes up to 115hp and 144Nm of torque, is also available with the Kia Seltos and Kia Carens Clavis.

While the Clavis only gets a 6-speed MT with this engine, the Seltos and Creta offer buyers an IVT option as well. Similarly, the Verna 1.5 NA version is available with both the MT and IVT gearboxes.

10. Tata 1.5L Diesel

The brand’s turbo-diesel mill is found in 4 models.

This 1,497cc four-cylinder diesel engine does duty in the Altroz, Nexon, Curvv and Sierra. In the Altroz, this ‘Revotorq’ turbo-diesel mill produces 90 hp and 200Nm, while churning out 115hp and 260Nm in the Nexon. Sharing the same displacement as the Revotorq but called the ‘Kryojet’ in the Curvv and Sierra, this engine produces 118hp and 260Nm.

The torque figure climbs to 280Nm in the Sierra when equipped with the 6-speed AT gearbox. However, the variant with the 6-speed MT makes the same amount of torque as the Curvv diesel. The latter’s automatic variants use a 7-speed DCT gearbox, unlike the Sierra’s more traditional torque converter unit.

11. Mahindra 2.2L mHawk

4 models get the brand’s highest-capacity diesel engine.

The Mahindra 2.2-litre ‘mHawk’ turbo-diesel mill is one of the automaker’s most successful powerplants. At 2,184cc, this is the largest displacement engine on our list. It produces up to 172hp and 400Nm of torque when mated to the 6-speed AT of the Scorpio N and Thar Roxx. In the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Roxx, the output of this mill has been revised to produce 150hp and 330Nm.

The Scorpio N and Scorpio Classic get this engine in a lower state of tune, along with the 3-door Thar, where it makes 130hp with 300Nm. This lower-output variant of the mHawk is available with a 6-speed MT as well, where it is offered on the Thar, Thar Roxx and Scorpio N. Meanwhile, the Scorpio Classic is offered only with this manual gearbox.

12. Renault, Nissan 1.0L NA

This three-cylinder mill is shared by 4 models.

With a displacement of 999cc, this naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine produces 69hp and 92.5Nm in the Renault Kwid. The output goes up to 72hp and 96Nm in the case of the Renault Triber, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.

All models are available with 5-speed MT and 5-speed AMT gearboxes. Renault India offers a dealer-fit CNG kit for the Kwid, Triber and Kiger. The Magnite is available with a similar CNG conversion kit from Nissan dealerships.

13. Volkswagen, Skoda TSI

Both brands share the same three- and four-cylinder engines.

The Volkswagen Group’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI mills are utilised by Skoda as well. These engines do duty on the Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Volkswagen Virtus. The 999cc turbo-petrol engine develops 115hp and 178Nm, while the 1,498cc unit puts out 150hp and a healthy 250Nm of torque.

The 1.0-litre variants of the Slavia and Virtus get 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT options, while the 1.5-litre variants feature a 7-speed DCT. Power figures on the SUVs remain identical to their sedan counterparts. However, the 6-speed MT is now available on the 1.5 TSI engine as well.

14. Mahindra 2.0L mStallion

This turbo-petrol mill does duty in 4 models.

Powering the Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio N and XUV700 is Mahindra’s 2.0-litre ‘mStallion’ four-cylinder engine. In the Thar, it has been detuned to produce 150hp with 300Nm when equipped with the 6-speed MT and 320Nm when mated to the 6-speed AT. The Thar Roxx’s mStallion mill is available in two states of tune – 160hp with 330Nm and 174hp with 380Nm. The former gets the manual, and the latter uses the automatic.

The Scorpio N and XUV700 get the most powerful iteration of this 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill, with 200hp and 380Nm of torque when paired with the 6-speed AT. In the Scorpio N, the torque figure drops to 370Nm when mated to the 6-speed MT – a limitation that does not affect the XUV700 manual.

15. Maruti Suzuki K10C

Maruti’s entry-level three-popper powers 3 models.

The Maruti Suzuki K10C is a 998cc engine that develops around 69hp and 91Nm of torque when fuelled with petrol. In its CNG version, however, the output of this three-cylinder mill drops to about 57hp and 82Nm. Both the petrol and CNG versions come as standard with a 5-speed MT, though only the petrol engine is available with a 5-speed AMT.

The most fuel-efficient K10C petrol option here is the Maruti Celerio AMT, which has a claimed mileage of 26kpl. Similarly, the most efficient K10C CNG option is also the Maruti Celerio – its claimed mileage is 34.43km/kg. The other cars that also have the K10C engine are the Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Wagon R.

16. Maruti Suzuki Z12E

This four-cylinder NA mill is used in 2 models.

Powering the Maruti Swift and Dzire is the brand’s Z12E engine, which displaces 1,197cc and can run on petrol and CNG. The four-cylinder petrol version makes 82hp and 112Nm, which drops to 70hp and 102Nm in the CNG variant of the two cars. A 5-speed MT is standard, while a 5-speed AMT is offered with the petrol-only variants.

The Maruti Swift AMT has a claimed mileage of 25.75kpl, making it the most frugal petrol option between the two. On the other hand, the Maruti Dzire claimed mileage of 33.73km/kg makes it the most fuel-efficient CNG option here.

17. Toyota 1.5L TNGA

The hybrid powertrain from Toyota is shared with Maruti.