The shrinking diesel segment still has compelling options for value-conscious buyers
With stricter emission norms and a market leaning heavily towards petrol and electric options, diesel cars have become a rarity in India—especially in the budget segment. Yet, manufacturers like Tata, Mahindra, Kia, and Hyundai continue to offer diesel-powered vehicles that balance performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Here’s a rundown of the 10 most affordable diesel cars currently on sale in India, across various body styles.
1. Tata Altroz
Price: ₹8.99 lakh – ₹11.29 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Tata Altroz is India’s most affordable diesel car and the only diesel hatchback still available. It houses a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 90hp and 200Nm, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Despite the lack of automatic transmission, the Altroz offers excellent mileage and solid build quality.
2. Mahindra Bolero
Price: ₹9.81 lakh – ₹10.93 lakh
An icon in Mahindra’s portfolio, the rugged Bolero remains popular in rural and semi-urban markets. Powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine making 76hp and 210Nm, it comes mated to a 5-speed manual. It’s basic, durable, and built for utility more than urban comfort.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo / Neo+
Price: ₹9.97 lakh – ₹12.51 lakh
The Bolero Neo range adds a more SUV-like character to the classic Bolero nameplate. The Neo uses a 1.5-litre engine (100hp/260Nm), while the larger Neo+ gets a 2.2-litre motor delivering 120hp and 280Nm. Manual gearboxes are standard—5-speed for Neo and 6-speed for Neo+—with no automatic variant on offer.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Price: ₹9.99 lakh – ₹14.99 lakh
Previously known as the XUV300, the updated XUV 3XO is one of the most versatile diesel options in its class. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 117hp and a segment-leading 300Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT, making it one of the few diesel automatics in this price range.
5. Kia Sonet
Price: ₹10 lakh – ₹15.74 lakh
The Kia Sonet remains a strong contender in the sub-4-metre SUV segment. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine generates 116hp and 250Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The Sonet blends performance with a feature-rich cabin.
6. Tata Nexon
Price: ₹10 lakh – ₹15.60 lakh
One of Tata’s most successful models, the Nexon offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine (115hp/260Nm) mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT. It’s also one of the safest compact SUVs in India, with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, and offers a compelling diesel alternative under ₹16 lakh.
7. Hyundai Venue
Price: ₹10.80 lakh – ₹13.53 lakh
Hyundai’s subcompact SUV offers a refined 1.5-litre diesel engine shared with the Sonet, generating 116hp and 250Nm. However, Hyundai limits the diesel variant to a 6-speed manual gearbox only—there’s no automatic option available for the Venue diesel.
8. Kia Syros
Price: ₹11.30 lakh – ₹17.80 lakh
Positioned above the Sonet, the Kia Syros brings a more premium experience with the same 1.5-litre diesel engine. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Syros targets customers seeking more features and a larger footprint.
9. Tata Curvv
Price: ₹11.50 lakh – ₹19.52 lakh
Tata’s new entrant in the compact SUV space, the Curvv, stands out with its coupe-like roofline and sporty looks. Under the hood is the familiar 1.5-litre diesel engine (118hp/260Nm), mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic—one of the quickest-shifting setups in this list.
10. Mahindra Thar
Price: ₹11.50 lakh – ₹17.62 lakh
Rounding off the list is the off-road-ready Mahindra Thar, available with two diesel engines. The RWD version gets a 1.5-litre unit (118hp/300Nm), while the 4WD variant uses a 2.2-litre engine producing 130hp and 300Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic, depending on the variant.
Conclusion
Though the pool of affordable diesel cars has shrunk, the remaining options still cater to a wide spectrum of buyers—from rugged utility vehicles like the Bolero to urban crossovers like the Altroz and premium compacts like the Curvv. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, torque-rich performance, or off-road capability, there’s a diesel model to meet your needs under ₹20 lakh.
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